Bhatti’s murder heightens sense of insecurity in minorities

Minorities demand the govt to provide them greater security.

ISLAMABAD:

Fearing more reprisals after the assassination of the federal minister for minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, the minorities have demanded the government to provide them greater security. Various minority representatives agreed that it was time to take concrete steps to ensure security “as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.”

Ever since Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer was gunned down, some elements have been trying to play up differences among followers of various religions in the country, said MNA Akram Masih Gill. Overcome with grief and sorrow over the loss of a close associate and friend, he said his people had never felt such acute fear. “Minorities will not leave the country because of fear or a sense of deprivation. This is our country. Come what may, we will live and die in Pakistan,” Gill vowed.Bishop Ruphin Anthony exhorted the government to stand up to extremism and to discourage all forms of violence undermining minorities’ rights.

“Over 2.7 million Christians are scared that Pakistan has become a dangerous place for minorities to live in, more than ever before,” said William George of the Saint Thomas Church.

In-charge of the Khatoon Fatima Church Father Rehmat Hakim said that the security of the minorities’ places of worship needs to be improved. “Some 17 churches in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi may be the extremists’ next target,” he said.

MNA Dr Darshan, a Hindu representative, was of the view that such incidents would not deter the minorities from practising their beliefs. “The freedom to practise one’s religion is safeguarded in Islam. The government needs to address the minorities’ concerns at a time when the country has become a dangerous place for them to live in.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4^th, 2011.