A Hindu girl, Priya Kumari, was abducted in Sukkur in Sindh province of Pakistan, sparking protests and outrage from the minority community.
Pakistan News: Protests erupted in Dera Murad Jamali city of Pakistan’s Balochistan over the abduction of a young Hindu girl, who was reportedly kidnapped from Sukkur city in the Sindh province a few days ago.
Condemning the abduction, outraged members of Pakistan’s minority Hindu community hit the streets in Dera Murad Jamali demanding action against the girl’s kidnappers and urged the Sindh government to rescue her, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.
Protests against Sindh government
The protesters, which included local traders, voiced their frustration, accusing the Sindh government of incompetence over the failure to trace and rescue Priya Kumari— a Hindu girl who was abducted from Sukkur city in the Sindh province recently.
Carrying placards, the protesters raised slogans against the Sindh government, claiming that the abduction of innocent children has become a routine in the Province. The protesters also alleged that security situation for religious minorities in Sindh had taken a nosedive, the report by The Dawn said.
Muslim leaders join protest
The protest, led by senior Hindu leaders of the region, Mukhi Manak Lal and Seth Tara Chand, also drew participants from various sections of society, including influential leaders from the Muslim majority such as Taj Baloch, who represented traders, Liaqat Ali Chakar from JI’s youth wing, Mir Jan Mengal, president of the wholesale market, Molana Nawabuddin Domki, Khan Jan Bangulazi, and Harpal Das.
The leaders urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safe return of the girl and to deliver justice to the minority community.
The protesters warned of nationwide protests if their demands go unheeded.
Rights body condemns religious persecutions
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has also strongly condemned the religious persecutions of minorities in Pakistan and urged the next government to bring legislation of equal status for all communities.
HRFP has highlighted that many people from Christians, Hindus, Ahmadiyya Muslims, Sikhs and other communities have been victimised in different attacks during the last few months.
“The newly elected representatives and the government must make legislation for equal status of all citizens as per founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision and thoughts,” it stated.
HRFP President Naveed Walter noted that several alarming incidents have been reported so far this year.
“The recent cases are addition to suffering, and the growing numbers has made minorities more vulnerable,” HRFP added.
Established in 1994, the HRFP works for the the promotion and protection of human rights, with special focus to religious minorities, women and children in Pakistan.
(With inputs from agencies)