No group in India feels more demonized and marginalized than Muslims, who make up one-seventh of the country’s population. The status of Afghan religious minorities is more uncertain than ever, as the United States withdraws troops after more than 18 years and the Taliban, who ruled oppressively in the 1990s, prepare for talks with the government over power-sharing. But nearly all have fled to India, Europe, or North America over decades of war and persecution. In Paktia, another eastern province, only a single family remains — Jagmohan Singh, an herbal doctor, and his wife and two of their children. “A few decades back, there were around 3,000 families of Hindus and Sikhs in different areas and districts of Paktia,” Dr. Singh said.

Source: New York Times July 19, 2020 15:22 UTC