Source: Religion News Service
AFGHANISTAN, March 14, 2001: Despite international condemnation, the Taliban ruler in Afghanistan has continued with destroying Buddhist statues in its countryside. The Taliban said they would allow journalists to the site in a few days. Fortunately for the minority population of Hindus and Sikhs who actively worship deities, the Taliban foreign minister offered reassuring words, “Their statues will not be smashed as they are worshipping them as part of their religious rituals.” With Taliban armed troops carrying out the campaign of destruction, some Hindus and Sikhs have erected walls around their temple icons, just in case.