Supreme Court hearing: High security in Ghotki as Faryal backlash expected

Heavy contingent deployed in Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts.

SUKKUR: Ghotki is on high alert as a Hindu teenager who converted in a high-profile case, Faryal (Rinkle), is scheduled to appear in the Supreme Court today.

According to Sukkur DIG Ameer Ahmed Shaikh, besides a heavy contingent of police from Ghotki district, 700 policemen from other districts have also been deployed. In addition, 300 Rangers and 300 commandos will also be on duty, particularly in Mirpur Mathelo.

Sukkur, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze districts will also be on high alert.

Faryal’s conversion and marriage to Naveed Shah in February instigated protests from the Hindu community. Her family and the community alleged that she was kidnapped and forced to convert. Faryal has already appeared before the media and the Sindh High Court Sukkur bench and said that she converted of her own free will. Faryal’s family and the Hindu community have said that they will only accept her decision in the Supreme Court.

The security measures have been taken in apprehension of the possible backlash of Faryal’s statement today. The police conducted a raid in Bozdar Mohalla and arrested more than two dozen people, saying that the residents are often involved in untoward incidents.

According to reports, a tense atmosphere prevailed in Ghotki district, particularly Mirpur Mathelo, on Sunday. More than half the shops, especially those belonging to Hindus, remained closed.

Meanwhile, Khairpur SSP Irfan Baloch recorded statements of the police officers in Mirpur Mathelo as part of the inquiry. The Sukkur DIG had also ordered an inquiry following the Hindu community’s accusation of police officers siding with the kidnappers. Earlier, a three- member inquiry committee, comprising Sukkur SSP Saqib Ismail Memon, Sukkur ADIG Shoukat Abbasi and Baloch, recorded the statements of Mirpur Mathelo Hindu Panchayat president, Nand Lal, and others.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2012.