President forms body to address Hindus’ grievances

Saturday, August 11, 2012 - Islamabad—President Asif Zardari has taken serious notice of the reports of feelings of insecurity among Hindu families in Sindh and directed authorities to allay Hindus’ grievances and submit a report to him.

Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said that President constituted a three member committee of MPs to visit different parts of Sindh to express solidarity with the Hindus on his and Government behalf and to reassure them about their security and well being.

The committee comprises Senator Hari Ram, MNA Lal Chand and Federal Minister Moula Bakhsh Chandio.

Meanwhile, at least 222 Hindu pilgrims who were earlier barred at the Wagah Border from crossing into India were allowed to travel. The pilgrims were stopped at border despite their visas were issued by the Indian High Commission.

The Hindu pilgrims who were earlier barred at the Wagah Border from crossing into India staged a protest against the concerned authorities. Later, the border officials allowed them to enter India, saying that documentation process of all the pilgrims has been completed. Two families who had NOCs were allowed to travel to India earlier from the Wagah Border. The pilgrims while talking to media said they were going on a pilgrimage and that they were not migrating. A section of the media had reported that around 60 Hindu families had migrated to India due to insecurity.

The report said that migration of Hindu families mostly in Jacobabad and Ghotki districts had started around six to eight months ago on account of the fear triggered by the poor law and order situation in addition to alleged forced conversions.—Agencies