2 dead in attack on a Sikh temple in Kabul, the Afghan capital

KABUL (Reuters) – At least two people were killed and seven injured in an attack on a Sikh temple in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday following an explosion in an explosive-laden car, officials said. officials. There was, however, no immediate claim of responsibility.
A Taliban spokesman said the attackers loaded a car with explosives but it exploded before reaching its target. Taliban authorities were securing the site, he added.
“There were about 30 people inside the temple,” said Gornam Singh, a temple official. “We don’t know how many of them are alive or how many are dead.”
The Taliban were not allowing temple authorities to enter, Singh said.
India’s Foreign Ministry has expressed concern over reports of the attack. “We are deeply concerned by reports from Kabul of an attack on a holy Gurudwara in that city. We are closely monitoring the situation and awaiting further details,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman said. Arindam Bagchi said in a tweet.

Delhi-based BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa also confirmed the news on Twitter.

A spokesman for the Kabul commander said his forces had taken control of the area and cleared it of attackers. A Sikh worshiper was killed in the attack and a Taliban fighter was wiped out during the mopping up operation, he added.
Indian Global Forum Chairman Puneet Singh Chandhok earlier tweeted, “Alarming news of armed militants from #Kabul, likely from #ISIS according to Gurdwara Chairman Gurnam Singh, have entered Karte Parwan Gurudwara. He is crying and many who reside in Gurdwara were killed, he said. Request @narendramodi ji & @MEAIndia for SOS assistance”
Saturday’s blast follows an explosion at a mosque in the northern town of Kunduz the previous day that killed one person and injured two, authorities said.
(With agency contributions)