No information specifying which Sikh temples (Gurdwaras, Gurudwaras) in Kabul are still functioning could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, two online directories to Sikh temples world-wide contain listings for Kabul, without providing indications as to whether the temples are still active or the names of priests and temple committee members. "Gurudwara Net," lists the following Sikh temples (and addresses) in Afghanistan: Gurudwara Baba Nanak (Jade Mewan, Kabul, Aksara); Gurudwara Babak Sri Chand - Kabul (Kabul, Aksara); Gurudwara Guru Har Rai (Sho[r] Bazaar, Kabul, Aksara); Gurudwara Karte Pawan (Mohaila Karte Pawan, Kabul, Aksara); Gurudwara Khalsa (Shor Bazaar, Kabul, Aksara); and Gurudwara Koth Sahib (Kabul-Tashkent Road, Kabul, Aksara) (n.d.). Another directory, "The Sikh Gurdwaras" contains similar entries with slight spelling variations (n.d.).

For general information concerning Sikhs in Afghanistan, current to March 1999, please consult AFG31339.E of 12 March 1999. According to the Chandigarh Tribune "Sikhs have started fleeing from Afghanistan" with the Taliban imposition of a religious code (9 Feb. 2000). According to the report the situation is particularly difficult for Sikh women who are expected to adopt Islamic dress and the community as a whole is unable to celebrate its festivals with "fervour" owing to a ban on music (ibid.).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Response.

Gurudwara Net. n.d. "Global Gurudwara Database: Afghanistan." http://www.grudwaranet/gurudwara/pages/Afghanistan/Aksara [Accessed 29 Mar. 2000]

The Sikh Gurdwaras. n.d. "Afghanistan." http://www.columbia.edu/~bsm15/AFGHANISTAN.htm [Accessed 29 Mar. 2000]

Tribune [Online edition, Chandigarh]. 9 February 2000. Varinder Walia. "Sikhs Flee From Afghanistan." http://www.tribuneindia.com [Accessed 9 Feb. 2000]

Amnesty International. November 1999. Afghanistan: the Human Rights of Minorities. (ASA 11/14/99).

IRB Databases.

LEXIS-NEXIS.

World News Connection (WNC)