Worrying reports of 30 Hindus held hostage in Pakistan surface

Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) raised concerns over reports of deteriorating law and order in Kashmore and Ghotki of Sindh, where criminal gangs are allegedly holding hostage 30 Hindus including women and children.

The organisation also highlighted some disturbing reports of these gangs threatening to use high-grade weapons to attack the community’s sites of worship. It called on the Sindh Home Department to probe the matter immediately and provide protection to all vulnerable citizens.

Less than 5% of Pakistan‘s total population represents minorities, with Hindus the largest minority community, according to a report based on data from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

Steep Rise In Number Of Attacks On Hindu Temples

Pakistan’s Sindh is not unfamiliar with attacks on Hindus. A number of incidents targeting the community in the Sindh village of Shaikh Bhirkio and the Tando Allahyar district have surfaced in the last few months, Bitter Winter reported.

Similarly, the last few decades have seen a significant increase in the number of attacks on Hindu temples in the country. A gang of dacoits attacked a Hindu temple in Sindh’s Kashmore during the early hours of Sunday, reportedly using “rocket launchers”.

In another recent incident, a 150-year-old Hindu temple in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar was attacked just a couple of days ago. The Hindus there woke up on Saturday only to find the Mari Mata Temple demolished, according to Dawn.

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The operation allegedly took place late Friday night, when bulldozers and diggers arrived to finish the job while there was no electricity in the area. Locals reportedly claimed a see a police vehicle present to give ‘cover’ for the individuals operating the equipment, Dawn said.