Shikarpur Hindu killing: 'We are Pakistanis first, then Hindus’
The Hindu Council of Pakistan demanded a compensation of five million rupees for the families of slain Hindu doctors, Ajeet Kumar, Naresh Kumar and Ashok Kumar, and two million, for the family of Sathya Pal, who was injured.
The patron of the council, Ramesh Kumar, said that there has been an increase in faith-based violence in the country in last few years. The authorities have failed miserably in protecting us and this is why the minorities were vulnerable to religious exploitation.
“We are Pakistanis first and Hindu second,” asserted Kumar. “The attackers believe that they can get away with killing members of a religious minority.”
He was afraid that the killing could lead to chain reaction. “Not only were the lives of the doctors taken but it also was an indirect attack on the less fortunate public,” he added.
Mohan Lal Harchandani, the general secretary of the council, said that the Hindu community has been living in the in this region for thousands of years. “Not only do we see Pakistan as our country but we work and pray for its prosperity,” he added.
Pakistan Medical Association also demanded security from the federal and provincial government. According to them, the Hindu community has been left no choice but to migrate because of continuous harassment.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2011.
COMMENTS (19)
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I am not an authority on religion, but there has been lack of tolerance in the muslims compared to other religions. In the present world one has to be tolerant to servive.
You said "an anti pakistan comment (2nd comment) got the most recommendations, ET what’s going on?"
Do you realise that comments are made by the public and not ET?
Shame, shame, and shame on all of us. We have proved to the world that we are the most intolerant people on the face of the earth. When will we learn to live as fellow-human beings? They were doctors; just think how much they might have contributed to the Pakistani society? My heart goes to the families who lost their near and dear ones.
Exchange of minority population between Pakistan and India should solve all these problem.
Pakistani Hindus Should quit Pakistan. Because,since 1947,the year of division of India,they have become easy prey to fierce Muslim Pakistanis and still their sufferings is going on. India & Pakistani government Should take necessary steps to mitigate their sufferings through easy migration policy.
IT IS BECAUSE THE GOod people of pakistan has decided to remain silent against the beastly among them;majority of these beasts belong to religious groups,a kind of travesty of religion
It's shame of pakistan there is no security of minority. in india musilm safe here that's the diference between india pakistan. that is islmaic republic country here democracy country
an anti pakistan comment (2nd comment) got the most recommendations, ET what's going on? Anyways my condolences to the families of deceased and inshAllah the killers will be brought to justice. Hindus are as pakistanis as anyone else.
The Hindu council of Pakistan should not only be compenciated financially but also be given justice and the right to justice. The victims should be given the choice to hang these Killers (eye for an eye ) if they wish. The Govt should set an example for these aggressors and all wronger doers that such acts will not be tolerated in land of PAKistan. Murder, discrimination, Killing destruction has become the way of life in certain parts of Pakistan. The Islam religion has been tainted with blood and tears by these people. This is not the Islam I believe in.
“We are Pakistanis first and Hindu second," the patron of the council, Ramesh Kumar, said.
That can only happen in a secular society not in a theocratic nation.
All religions have fanatics. But with some religions there are more of them than others. It is time the Hindus in Pakistan bailed. They will be picked off one at a time - or rather three at a time.
GOP must give protection to its minority communities or face world wide condemnation. GOI should accept Hindus and Sikhs with open arms who want to migrate to India.
This Country belongs to Hindus as much as Muslims. They are Pakistani citizens and have equal rights to live in this country. Federal and provincial governments must fulfill their responsibilities to protect minorities of Pakistan.
Let there be a population exchange of 80% kashmiri muslims in india with hindu & ahmadi minority. All problems will be solved.
I fail to understand the basis of killing of innocent people on the basis of their religion.I know many Hindus in Pakistan who are qualified Chartered Accountants and one of them is a close friend of mine who is more patriotic Pakistani than many of our Musim brothers....We as a nation need to condemn every such inhumane act and our judicial system should persecute the perpetrators of such heinous acts...If doctors have been killed we have deprived so many patients of their access to health care....We should come out of our shell of insecurity and prejudice
It's a shame, why civic soceity is not taking up their case? Are they afraid of people who killed these doctors? I am sorry to say, in Pakistan, there is no tolerence, no accomodation for other religion though Islam tells us to respect others belief and religion. What is government doing about this case, I am afraid not much. Where is government of the day?
Look at the comments: We are Pakistani first, then Hindu, can we expect this also from the Pakistani muslims?
i think hindus should think to migrate from here
The killers deserve a Dreadful Punishment! Hindu, Christian, Sikh or whatsoever.. They're as Important as Muslim citizens.very sad !!my condolences!!