Kabul gurdwara attack: Death toll rises to 25, PM Modi expresses condolences

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, “I am saddened by today’s terror attack at Gurudwara in Kabul. I express my condolences to the families of all the deceased”. pic.twitter.com/J1ed5et8uW

— ANI (@ANI) March 25, 2020

Earlier in the day, India said that targeting of a religious place in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak reflects the “diabolical mindset” of the perpetrators and their backers.

An Afghan policeman stands guard at the entrance of the gurdwara in Afghanistan’s Kabul. (AP)

“India stands ready to extend all possible assistance to the affected families of the Hindu and Sikh community of Afghanistan,” the MEA said. “Such cowardly attacks on the places of religious worship of the minority community, especially at this time of COVID-19 pandemic, is reflective of the diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed as “extremely reprehensible” the terrorist attack and said he is praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. “The terrorist attack on a Sikh Gurudwara in Kabul is extremely reprehensible. My heart goes out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this heinous act against humanity. I also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” the minister said on Twitter.

An Afghan security guard stands at the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (AP)

In one of the deadliest attacks on the minority community in the strife-torn country, the gunmen attacked the gurdwara in Shor Bazar area at about 07:45 (local time) as 150 worshippers were inside the building, Afghan authorities said.

Former president of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai also strongly condemned the attack on Sikh worship place and expressed his condolences to the victims’ families.

Afghan Sikhs inspect inside the gurdwara, in the aftermath of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan, Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (AP)

According to per news agency AFP, the ISIS terrorist group, which has targeted Sikhs before in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility for the attack.