Minority communities in Pakistan demand action against kidnappings amid protests

Escalation of protests

Members of Pakistan's Hindu community and other minority faiths took to the streets in Sindh province to protest against the increasing cases of kidnappings targeting their communities. These abductions, often for ransom, have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the minority populations in the region.

On Thursday, as the protesters continued their sit-in demonstration, the police took a harsh approach, resorting to baton charges to disperse the crowd. This resulted in injuries to several protesters who had refused to end their demonstration despite the involvement of an influential leader from the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Influence of political leader

Ahsan Mazari, a former minister and influential PPP leader, initially joined the protesters to express solidarity with them. He successfully negotiated the release of two kidnapped Hindu traders from the bandits in the riverine areas of Sindh. However, when he advised the remaining protesters to disperse and assured them that the authorities would handle the matter to secure the release of others, they refused to comply.

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Worsening kidnappings situation

The kidnappings targeted members of various minority communities, instilling fear and insecurity in the affected populations. Recent incidents include the abduction of a nine-year-old Hindu boy and a seven-year-old Hindu girl, Priya Kumari, near Sanghar. These criminal activities have led to concerns about the safety of minority community members, making it challenging for them to send their children to school in areas where the dacoits operate openly.

Ongoing protest and kidnapping crisis

The protesters initially gathered in Kandhkot town following the abduction of a 72-year-old Hindu businessman, Mukhi Jagdish. Dacoits operating from the riverine regions of Sindh have kidnapped approximately 40 individuals, including Hindu traders, in recent months. The ongoing protests highlight the urgent need for action to address the kidnapping crisis and ensure the safety and security of minority communities in Sindh province.

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