Nishan Sahib, a Sikh religious flag that was removed from the rooftop of a gurdwara in Afghanistan’s Paktia province has been restored.

Amid international pressure and India’s condemnation, the Taliban officials and security forces visited Gurudwara Tahla Sahib.

The Taliban also said that the Gurdwara will continue to function as per its customs.

On Friday, India had condemned this act and reiterated its firm belief that Afghanistan’s future must be one where the interest of all sections of Afghan society including minorities and women are protected.

“We condemn this act and reiterate India’s firm belief that Afghanistan’s future must be one where the interest of all sections of Afghan society including minorities and women are protected,” ANI quoted government sources as saying.

Amid the ongoing withdrawal of troops by the United States from Afghanistan, the war-torn country has witnessed massive Taliban-driven violence.

India has vehemently expressed concern over the situation in that country and has called for peace saying it is critical to enduring peace in the region.

Over the last few weeks, the Taliban captured several districts in Afghanistan including Takhar, the country’s northeastern province.

According to the Long War Journal, the Taliban controls 223 districts, with 116 contested and the government holding 68.

It further says that 17 of 34 provincial capitals are directly threatened by the Taliban.

On Thursday, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in Afghanistan and that it continues to call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire.

“We have been supporting the government and people of Afghanistan in realising their aspirations for a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future,” he said.

India supports an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled peace process, he added.

On Friday, the Taliban captured the city of Zaranj, the provincial capital of Nimroz.