The Union govrenment has granted e-visas to over 100 Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan on 'priority' after the ghastly attack on a Kabul gurdwara on Saturday, reports hindustantimes.com.

• ISIS claimed responsibility for an attack on a Gurdwara in Afghanistan, saying it was retaliation for 'insults' to Prophet Muhammed, reports ndtv.com

Several blasts ripped through a Sikh gurdwara in Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Saturday, killing two persons and injuring seven others, while security personnel thwarted a bigger tragedy by stopping an explosive-laden vehicle from reaching the place of worship of the minority community in the war-torn country.

In the latest targeted assault on a place of worship of the Sikh community in Afghanistan, Karte Parwan Gurdwara was attacked early Saturday morning and a gun battle between the terrorists and Taliban fighters ensued, said Abdul Nafi Takor, a Taliban-appointed spokesperson for the Interior Ministry.

The attackers were killed, Takor said, without giving the exact details about the number of the attackers.

He confirmed that at least one member of the Islamic Emirate forces and an Afghan Hindu national were killed in the incident. Seven others were injured and hospitalised.

According to the statement from the Interior Ministry, an explosive-laden vehicle aiming to target the place was thwarted before reaching its goal.

The gurdwara was attacked early in the morning when up to 30 people were inside, the BBC reported.

The blasts occurred in the Karta Parwan area of Kabul. Gunfire was also reported from the area, which is the centre for the Afghan Hindu and Sikh communities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday condemned the "barbaric'' terrorist attack on the Karte Parwan Gurudwara in Kabul.

Modi tweeted, "Shocked by the cowardly terrorist attack against the Karte Parwan Gurudwara in Kabul. I condemn this barbaric attack, and pray for the safety and well-being of the devotees."

.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, several other political leaders and Sikh bodies also strongly condemned the attack on the gurdwara in Kabul and urged the Centre to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of minorities in Afghanistan.

"Strongly condemn the attack at Gurudwara Karte Parwan in Kabul. Have heard reports of shots being fired at devotees, I'm praying for everyone's safety. I urge PM @narendramodi ji and @MEAIndia for immediate assistance to ensure the safety of minorities in Kabul."

Mann, later in a statement, said, "This is an inhuman act and I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety and security of the Sikhs residing in Kabul."

He said the government of India must ensure the safety of the Sikhs in the gurdwara.

"A decisive and swift action needs to be taken by the prime minister in this hour of crisis," said Mann.