Karachi, July 19, 2024, In a powerful display of solidarity, civil society activists and human rights defenders staged a sit-in at Teen Talwar, Karachi, demanding the immediate release of Priya Kumari, a seven-year-old Hindu girl who went missing three years ago at the tender age of four. The distraught parents of Priya Kumari, along with members of the Hindu community and civil society, joined the protest to amplify their voices and seek justice for their missing daughter.
The Sindh police had previously assured the recovery of Priya Kumari by the 10th of Muharram, but unfortunately, they failed to fulfill their promise. Frustrated by the lack of progress, the Hindu community decided to peacefully protest, with their sole demand being the presence of the Chief Minister of Sindh, Karachi, to assure them of Priya Kumari’s swift recovery. However, instead of addressing their concerns, the police resorted to using batons and water cannons to disperse the peaceful protesters, leading to a distressing turn of events.
During the dispersal, the police were seen using excessive force, beating and arresting many protesstorss along with journalists from Dharti TV and Times News who were covering the event. This violent action by the Sindh police is not only deeply concerning but also highly shameful, as it infringes upon the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
The protest at Teen Talwar monument in Karachi brought together hundreds of civil society members and Hindu community representatives, all united in their demand for justice and the safe return of Priya Kumari. The protesters highlighted the failure of the Sindh Police and the provincial government to recover the young girl, who reportedly went missing on Ashura, August 19, 2021, from Sangrar, a small town near Sukkur.
The abduction and disappearance of Priya Kumari are not isolated incidents but reflect the broader challenges faced by religious minorities, particularly the Hindu community, in interior Sindh. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the issues of oppression, discrimination, and violence faced by these communities.
The protesters, along with concerned citizens, are calling for immediate action from the authorities to ensure the safe return of Priya Kumari and to hold those responsible for her disappearance accountable. They demand a thorough investigation into the matter and the provision of justice for Priya Kumari and her family.
The sit-in at Teen Talwar continues as civil society activists and human rights defenders stand firm in their resolve to seek justice for Priya Kumari and to shed light on the broader issue of the oppression faced by the Hindu community in interior Sindh. The voices of the protesters echo the urgent need for a society that upholds the principles of equality, religious freedom, and justice for all.
#ReleasePriyaKumari #ShameOnSindhPolice #ReligiousMinorities #Karachi #Pakistan #HumanRights #MinorityRights #ChildAbduction #PakistanGovernment #InternationalHumanRights #ProtectMinorities #JusticeForPriyaKumari #StandWithPriya #RaiseYourVoice #DefendHumanRights Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Shazia Atta Marri
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