LAST week, New Democrats sent a letter to the immigration and foreign affairs ministers to expedite the processing of resettlement applications in Canada for Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan.

“It is clear that Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan are not safe and continue to face extreme persecution and widespread discrimination. There is an urgent need to protect these communities who have faced severe persecution for far too long,” said NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. “The government must expedite the processing of these applications so that these families no longer have to live in fear for their lives.”

Last week, a suicide attack on a Sikh Gurdwara in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed 25 worshipers and injured many others. These young children, women, and elderly worshipers were horrifically attacked while in prayer. This heinous act was further exacerbated by a subsequent missile attack on the crematorium as family members gathered to hold funerals for their deceased loved ones. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack within hours and has given the communities 24 hours to leave or face extinction, noted the NDP.

“The situation in Afghanistan has continued to worsen over the years and the situation is dire. This latest attack is clear evidence of that,” added Singh. “New Democrats are calling for immediate special refugee resettlement measures including both government sponsorships and private sponsorships for this extremely vulnerable community. We must act now.”