AFGHANISTAN, May 9, 2002: They no longer have to wear yellow badges like the Jews under Nazi rule, but little else has changed for Afghanistan’s religious minorities, the Hindus and Sikhs. Four months ago, a new government took office, promising equal rights for all Afghans. Yet many Hindus and Sikhs say that life is no better — and in some cases, is worse — under the new Afghan flag. Despite the end of official discrimination and kind words from the new leaders in Kabul, Sikhs and Hindus have no schools for their children, no access to government jobs or university education, no seats on the commission that set rules for electing a new government, and no protection from warlords who have seized their lands and homes. ”During the Taliban, we were first put in jail and then forced to wear yellow turbans and brown skullcaps, but at least we had law and order,” said Bajan Singh, 27, a Sikh. Because of their tiny numbers and related faiths, the Hindu and Sikh communities in Afghanistan have merged, sharing temples and residential compounds.
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