Persecution of Minorities In Pak: Gurudwara Attacked, Sikh Man Killed

Amidst the ongoing tension between the two neighboring countries India and Pakistan on abrogation of Article 370, CAA, and ceasefire violations, the sacred birthplace of Sikh Guru, Nanak Dev in Pakistan was attacked by a mob. The mob, which contained mostly Muslims, hurled stones at the shrine. The family of a controversial man named Mohammed Hassan led the crowd and shouted anti-Sikh slogans.

Crux of the Matter

1. Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan was attacked by a Muslim mob while Sikh worshipers were still inside. The mob hurled stones at the Gurudwara and raised spiteful and communal slogans against the minority community of Sikhs.

2. The mob was lead by kins of Mohammed Hassan. He is accused of abducting a Sikh girl and forcing her to convert to Islam for the purpose of marrying.

3. Top Indian leaders condemned the attack and demanded Pakistani PM Imran Khan to take strict action. Outside Pakistan High Commission, Sikh group staged a protest against the attack.

4. The attack is also seen as a violation of the 1955 Pant-Mirza Agreement that mandates both, Indian and Pakistan to protect the places of worship visited by people of each country.

5. Pakistan Foreign Office has denied the attack and said that a brawl broke out near the Gurudwara between two Muslim groups. “the gurdwara remains untouched and undamaged. All insinuations to the contrary, particularly the claims of acts of ‘desecration and destruction’ and desecration of the holy place, are not only false but also mischievous,” said Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

6. In another incident, a 25-year old Sikh man belonging to Lahore was found murdered in Peshawar.

7. The escalating violence on minorities in Pakistan is burgeoning tension between Indian and Pakistan.

Curiopedia

Minorities in Pakistan – Much of the decrease in minorities of Pakistan has occurred due to the events around the partition, the wars of 1965 and 1971. Various causes like religious violence and forced conversions are attributed as responsible for decline of minorities. Forced conversions and marriages represent a significant threat to underage girls in Pakistan. Around 1000 girls belonging to religious minorities were estimated to be forcibly converted every year according to NGOs. In November 2019, Pakistan formed parliamentary committee to stop the act of forced conversion in the country. More Info

Curated Coverage

1. India Today – After Nankana Sahib attack, Sikh man killed in Pakistan’s Peshawar

2. News 18 – ‘Attempt to Convert Gurdwaras into Mosques’: From Govt to Oppn, India Vents Out Anger Against Nankana Sahib Attack

3. Scroll – Nankana Sahib gurdwara not vandalised, claims Pakistan, says shrine is ‘untouched and undamaged’

#Pakistan #Sikh