Afghanistan's ex-VP's Diwali message for Indians comes with a warning: ‘Be mindful of Deoband madrasa’

Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh - File Photo

Former Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh, known for his outspoken criticism of the Taliban and Pakistan’s influence in the region, extended Diwali greetings to Indians and Hindus worldwide, but with a pointed reminder.

“Happy Diwali to all Indians and Hindus across the globe! Wishing you well. Please be mindful of the Deoband madrasa in the meantime,” Saleh posted on X.

Saleh's remarks came in wake of Taliban-led Afghanistan’s Foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to the Darul Uloom Deoband seminary during his India visit earlier this month.

The Indian government’s decision to allow Muttaqi’s visit to Deoband is also being viewed as a subtle message from Delhi on the issue of girls’ education.

Although Darul Uloom Deoband advocates gender segregation in classrooms, it has historically supported girls’ right to education -- a stance that contrasts sharply with the Taliban’s rigid ideology.

During his visit, Muttaqi was awarded a Sanad (certificate) granting him official permission to teach Hadith. He then addressed an audience of around 4,000 students, scholars, and clerics, urging Deoband members to visit Afghanistan and adding that more Afghan diplomats would be visiting in the future.