Sad exodus

It is tragic that the Hindus of Balochistan should now feel so unsafe in their own homes.

The rate at which Pakistan is losing its diversity as a nation bringing together many kinds of people, is terrifying. Those who have lived together for centuries, as part of well-integrated communities, now eye each other with suspicion.

From Balochistan, hundreds of Hindus are stated, according to a report in this newspaper, to be planning to depart — either to other parts of the country, or, in some cases, to India. The spate of targeted kidnappings in the province is a chief reason for their fear. Most Hindus are ethnic Baloch, members of major tribes who, in the past, have enjoyed the protection of the sardars. The worsening law and order situation in the province, however, makes them vulnerable to kidnappings. In many cases, the perception that Hindus are rich businessmen and more likely to pay ransom because of their minority status adds to the risks they face. According to the provincial home department, there have been 291 abductions and eight kidnappings for ransom this year alone. Many of the victims have been Hindus, with several prominent members of the community, including spiritual leader Lackmi Chand, head of the largest Hindu temple in the province, taken away by unknown abductors. Their whereabouts in many cases remain unknown — and in cases where money is not demanded for a release, the motive seems unclear.

The degree of terror that the minority communities face everywhere is growing rapidly more acute. This Christmas, Christians marked the occasion with sorrow overtaking joy, as protests were staged to seek the release of blasphemy victim Aasia Bibi. Sikhs have been targeted in the north, Ahmadis subjected to devastating bombings and minority Muslim sects attacked in similar fashion. The Hindus of Balochistan have lived in the towns and cities of the province all their lives, as did their parents, their grandparents and others who came before. It is tragic that they should now feel so unsafe in their own homes. We need immediate measures to return to the non-Muslims of our country some sense of security and to create a situation that acknowledges that they, as citizens, are equals who have a right to the same protections as the Muslims who make up over 95 per cent of the population.

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