No contact, uncertainty looms over Sikhs in Iran

Amritsar: The conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has left the minuscule Indian community in Tehran—including a small Sikh population estimated at fewer than 100—facing difficult times.For decades, the Bhai Ganga Singh Sabha Gurdwara, established in 1941, has stood as a centre of faith, refuge, and seva. The gurdwara has hosted various dignitaries over the years, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, since the recent eruption of hostilities, communication with Sikh residents in the city has been severed. Amardeep Singh Anand, a Sikh businessman currently in India, said his last successful contact with acquaintances in Iran was on the day the conflict began. While the gurdwara was open at that time, subsequent attempts to reach the community have failed. He believes residents may have taken shelter inside the gurdwara or evacuated the city, though these reports remains unconfirmed. The communication blackout has also obscured the status of a Kendriya Vidyalaya, where Sikh and other Indian children study, in Tehran. While initial reports suggested the school remained open for Indian students, all scheduled examinations have been postponed. 11 flights cancelled Bhupinder Singh, director, Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport, said that several flights operating from Amritsar have been disrupted. Out of the scheduled departures and arrivals, four flights were impacted; two were diverted midway to Surat and Ahmedabad. On Sunday, a total of 11 flights to destinations including Dubai, Sharjah and Doha were cancelled. MSID:: 128916575 413 |