A representative of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu diaspora in the United Kingdom has strongly condemned recent remarks by Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, labelling them as offensive and inflammatory.
Speaking to media, Harbans Singh expressed deep concern over Hanafi’s reported statement that non-Muslims, including Sikhs and Hindus, are “worse than animals.” The remarks were made just days before the Sikh and Hindu festival of Vaisakhi and have drawn sharp criticism from religious minorities.
“No one has the right to insult another religion,” Singh said, warning that such rhetoric could further endanger the already dwindling Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan. He cautioned that these comments may compel more families to flee the country due to concerns for their safety and religious freedom.
Khalid Hanafi, known for his hardline approach, plays a key role in enforcing the Taliban’s restrictive social policies, particularly those affecting women. In a previous speech, he claimed that Muslims have been granted a special status by God for upholding virtue and preventing vice.
