Kot Ghulam Muhammad, Mirpurkhas (Sindh), October 23, 2024 – In a heartbreaking incident that has again highlighted the vulnerability of religious minorities in Sindh, A 10-year-old Hindu girl, Divya Meghwar, was allegedly abducted by Mir Shahid Talpur. And then in Sirhindi Pir Samaro, he forcibly converted the girl to Islam, and married her under the guise of her newly assigned Muslim name, Amna. The case has sparked outrage and widespread protests from the Hindu community and human rights organizations across Sindh.
Despite the gravity of the situation, local authorities in Kot Ghulam Muhammad were slow to act, with the police initially refusing to register an FIR. It was only after mounting pressure from protests by Hindu organisations that the case caught the attention of influential political figures, including MNA Mir Munawar Talpur, Mirpurkhas District Chairman Mir Anwar Talpur, and SSP Mirpurkhas, who intervened to save the minor. However, the struggle for justice continues, as the girl’s father pleads with the government and judicial institutions to ensure accountability and protect his daughter’s future.
A grim reality for minorities in Sindh
Incidents like Divya Meghwar’s abduction are tragically common in Sindh, where young girls from Hindu and other minority communities are disproportionately targeted for forced conversion and marriage. According to reports by human rights activists, such cases often exploit systemic weaknesses, including police inaction and legal loopholes, which leave victims and their families with little recourse.
In Divya’s case, the lack of prompt police action highlights the broader challenges facing minorities in Pakistan. It was only through public protests and tireless advocacy that the authorities were forced to act. However, the psychological trauma that Divya and her family have endured cannot be undone, and justice remains elusive.
A father’s desperate plea.
Divya Meghwar’s father, now known by the pseudonym “Aamna”, has made an emotional appeal for justice to the government, judiciary and human rights organisations. Speaking to the media, he urged the authorities to ensure his daughter’s safety and hold those responsible accountable under the law. His plea reflects a broader call for justice from Sindh’s Hindu community, which has long suffered from systemic discrimination and targeted violence.
International and national silence.
The international community and social justice organisations have often failed to take concrete steps to address these heinous acts. Despite Pakistan’s obligations under international human rights treaties, incidents of forced conversions, child marriages, and religious persecution continue to occur. Divya’s case serves as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for intervention, both within Pakistan and by the international community.
Sindh: A Graveyard of Human Rights.
Sindh, once celebrated for its cultural diversity and interfaith harmony, has become a grim scene for religious minorities. Incidents like Divya’s abduction are not isolated but part of a larger pattern of human rights violations, particularly targeting young Hindu girls. These acts not only violate national laws, such as the Child Marriage Restraint Act, but also undermine Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of minorities.
The Way Forward.
Saving Divya Meghwar is a small step in the right direction, but justice is incomplete without prosecution of those involved and the implementation of systemic reforms to protect vulnerable communities. The government should ensure:
Strictly implement child marriage laws and punish violators.
Immediate registration of FIRs in cases of forced conversion and abduction.
Rehabilitate and protect victims and their families.
National and international monitoring to address these human rights violations.
Conclusion.
Divya Meghwar’s ordeal is a chilling testament to the dangers faced by Pakistan’s minorities, especially its women and children. Her father’s plea for justice echoes the cries of countless other families who have suffered similar fates. It is time for Pakistani authorities and the international community to step up, not only to secure justice for Divya, but also to prevent future tragedies in a region crying out for change.
Hashtags #SaveDivya, #StopConversion, and #SaveHinduDaughters
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