Hinduism is facing a slow decline in Pakistan, as evidenced by distressing incidents where two Hindu temples were targeted and desecrated within a 24-hour period in Sindh province. The attacks have ignited outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety of Hindus in the country.
Attack On Temples
A gang launched the first attack on a Hindu temple in Sindh’s Kashmore region on Sunday morning, July 16. The assailants, armed with rocket launchers, targeted the place of worship. They also unleashed indiscriminate gunfire on the adjoining homes belonging to Hindus. No casualties were reported as the temple was closed at the time of the attack.
Kashmore-Kandhkot SSP Irfan Sammo led the authorities’ swift response to the scene. The police estimated that eight to nine gunmen were involved in the attack. They immediately launched a search operation in the riverine areas to track down the perpetrators. However, they managed to escape.
Hate Crime Against Temples
Less than 24 hours before the Kashmore temple attack, individuals mercilessly bulldozed an over 150-year-old Hindu temple in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar. It was a shocking display of hate crime. They reduced the cherished cultural heritage, the Mari Mata Temple, to rubble using diggers and bulldozers. Locals alleged that the demolition took place under suspicious circumstances. Those responsible receiving cover from police vehicles.
Members of the Madrasi Hindu community claimed that certain individuals were coercing them to vacate the site.
The Madrasi Hindu community manages the temple. Disturbing reports indicated that land grabbers had their eye on the temple’s land. The demolition appeared to be a calculated move to seize the property.
Hindu Hostages
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed grave concerns over the safety of the Hindu community and the threats posed to their places of worship. Organized criminal gangs are holding around 30 Hindus hostage. These include women and children. This has escalated tensions and fear within the Hindu community.
There are credible reports that the criminals have threatened to target other Hindu temples with advanced weaponry. It has added stress to the situation and raised alarms among the Hindu community. This has intensified the urgency for prompt action from authorities.
Will There Be Any Justice?
In response to these heinous incidents, community leaders, activists, and concerned citizens have united their voices. They called upon the Sindh Home Department to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation without delay. Their demand is for justice to be served to the victims. They emphasised the need for stringent measures to safeguard the rights of religious minorities and protect their places of worship.
The Pakistan-Hindu Council, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and the Inspector General of Sindh Police have all received urgent appeals to take immediate action. Ensuring the safety and security of the Hindu community is paramount. The perpetrators need to be accountable for their reprehensible actions.
The question rankles still – will Hindus ever get any justice?