Kabul: Hindu Priest Refuses To Flee, Says He Will Consider It His ‘Seva’

By Tharini Ilanchezhian

Most minorities have fled Afghanistan due to the tension caused in the state following the Taliban takeover of the government and the Presidential Palace, and a very few chose to stay expecting the worst coming their way. One of them is the Hindu priest of Rattan Nath temple of Kabul, Rajesh Kumar.

With riots and chaos unfolding in the state, terrified of what will happen during the Taliban regime, disheartening videos of the Afghans trying to run for their life has been virally watched by the whole world.

Various Hindu associates have offered to make arrangements for Pandit Kumar to get out from Afghanistan. But the priest who wants to stick with the temple that has been served by his family for generations does not want to leave and says that he will be loyal to his duty. The priest has expressed his desire for ringing the prayer bells as long as possible.

Despite the immense risk coming its way, the priest refused to flee the place leaving behind the temple which has an ancestral importance and duty to be fulfilled.

A twitter user revealed what Pandit Kumar has to say to the help offers he was receiving from various people. He said that some Hindus have urged him to leave the capital city and have made arrangements for his travel and accommodation. But remembering the fact that the temple has been served by his ancestors for hundreds of years, he refused to abandon it. He also said that if the Taliban kills him, he considers it his 'Seva'.