Pallbearers’ carry Mahinder Singh’s coffin, who was the father of six. He was kidnapped two months ago. PHOTO IQBAL MAMOUND/EXPRESS
PESHAWAR:
The brother of slain Sikh businessman Mahinder Singh Tuesday said the government should either provide security to the community or arrange their emigration to another country.
“If the government cannot provide security to the minorities, it should arrange for their migration to a safer country,” Jawar Singh told The Express Tribune.
Herbal medicine dealer Mahinder Singh, 46, was kidnapped from his shop in Tabbi village, Bara teshil of Khyber Agency by unidentified armed men on November 21, 2012. His body was later found in a gunny bag on January 8 from the Chora area.
Jawar said it was evident from the body that Mahinder was beheaded 20 to 25 days earlier and that they identified him only through the marks on his body. “It was a cruel act and authorities should take action against those involved.”
Jawar reiterated that his brother had no personal enmity or affiliations with any militant group. He alleged the Zakhakhel tribe of being behind his brother’s murder and said they earlier contacted the political administration and also sent an application to late senior minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour for Mahinder’s safe recovery, but to no avail.
Jawar maintained no one had contacted them for ransom following Mahinder’s kidnapping either.
Demanding compensation for Mahinder’s family, Jawar said the day Mahinder was kidnapped, his shop was also robbed and medicines worth Rs4 million along with cash was stolen.
He said his brother leaves behind two wives and six children, one of whom is disabled by polio. “We don’t know how we will support his wives and children. That shop was their only source of income.”
Jawar said Mahinder’s children were enrolled in a private school, but they can no longer afford it. “We will be left with no other option but to leave if the government does not support us,” he added.
According to officials of Khyber Agency’s political administration, a local militant outfit has claimed responsibility for Mahinder’s slaying. They said a note found next to the body read: “The man had been killed for spying for our rival militant group Lashkar-e-Islam.”
Jawar said Lashkar-e-Islam had imposed a tax on non-Muslims residing in Khyber Agency and they faced no threats or problems. But the situation deteriorated when the military operation started in 2009 in the area.
He said around 350 Sikh families have migrated from Khyber Agency due to the growing intensity of terrorism and military action. A majority of the community’s members are businessmen, but continuous fighting and curfews have greatly affected their livelihood.
Most families are now residing in Peshawar and Punjab.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 17th, 2013.
COMMENTS (7)
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@ahmed: one thing done by govt of a nation and other things done by the masses of your country. both things are different. indira gandhi has been laid to rest and sikh society restored, in pakistan nothing but violence resides- sunni shia, muslim non muslim etc etc
@Insaan: check your facts- its sikhism that is rapidly spreading, though numbers are less but rate is more.
Pakistan shouldn't behave like communal backward nation to the east. We should protect our sikh brothers who are very good and prosperous citizens of Pakistan. It is our responsibility to protect their lives and property. We should not kill them and burn their houses as was done in India by the congress after Indira 's death.
Islam is a religion of peace. Pakistan government itself is involved with most terrorist organizations.
Lot of Shias are being killed, so killing a Sikh should not be a big deal.
Islam is the fastest growing religion. Many people are reading about Pakistan and Afghanistan and are running to convert to Islam. Muslims don't discriminate, lot of White converts have joined Jihad and some hold senior level positions in terrorist organizations.
“Jawar said Lashkar-e-Islam had imposed a tax on non-Muslims residing in Khyber Agency and they faced no threats or problems”
Don't see anything wrong with that. All Muslim rulers of India also imposed tax on non-muslims except Akbar. No wonder he is so hated by south Asian muslims.
If its right or wrong depends upon if you are paying the tax or receiving.
"Jawar said Lashkar-e-Islam had imposed a tax on non-Muslims residing in Khyber Agency and they faced no threats or problems"
Why is this very familiar ?
So all the people are ready to blame Pakistani Army for this or not?? as according to Twitteris and Liberals all Are Innocents in Pakistan!!!!. I think Pakistani Army Soldiers kidnapped that person and then killed him because all are Innocent in Pakistan and It is a Great game of Punjab and Sindh to subjugate some people in KPK and it is a Conspiracy planned by Pakistani Army against some people.