At least 25 people have been killed in an attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul, Afghanistan.  A gunman began shooting at a time when the Dharamsala sanctuary in the temple compound was full of worshippers and ISIL has claimed responsibility. An estimated 150 people were inside the temple, which houses families and regularly hosts morning worship. Sikhs are a minority community in Afghanistan and have consistently been targeted by armed groups.

In response to the violence, the multireligious Board of Directors of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) issued the following statement:

“We are horrified by the attack on our Sikh brothers and sisters in Kabul, Afghanistan and send our heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families. We must protect minority communities, safeguard the marginalised and ensure safe worship for all. We strongly condemn all attacks on holy sites and places of worship and remind everyone of our shared duty to uphold peace, tolerance and human rights. Universal religious values, based on acceptance and peace, do not allow for the killing of innocents on the basis of their religion, ethnicity or any other identity factor.”