Two people have been killed and many more have been wounded at an attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to media reports, gunmen opened fire at a time when worshippers were gathered at the Gurdwara Karte Parwan compound early Saturday morning. The so-called Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility.

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

“We are appalled 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 all communities, safeguard the marginalised vulnerable ensuring 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.”