Kunri, Umerkot, Sindh, Pakistan- In a brutal display of violence, armed men from the Khaskheli community stormed the homes of the Hindu Kolhi community in Kunri, Umerkot, leaving families—including women and children– beaten with batons and axes. Eyewitnesses and victims report that instead of intervening, local police openly shielded the attackers, raising serious concerns about state complicity in the persecution of religious minorities.
This incident is not just an act of violence- it is a blatant failure of justice and a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized communities in Pakistan.
The Attack: A Savage Assault on a Minority Community
A group of armed men forcefully entered the homes of Hindu Kolhi families in Kunri, Umerkot. The attackers, identified as members of the Khaskheli community, brutally assaulted residents, including women and children, using batons and axes. Several victims sustained severe injuries, and many families were left traumatized.
What makes this attack even more shocking and unacceptable is the role of local law enforcement. Instead of protecting the victims, police allegedly stood by or actively protected the attackers, allowing the violence to continue unchecked. This failure to act has left the Hindu Kolhi community feeling abandoned and defenseless.
A Pattern of Persecution: The Plight of Hindus in Sindh
This attack is not an isolated incident but part of a systemic pattern of violence and discrimination against Hindu communities in Sindh. Hindus, particularly those from lower-caste groups like the Kolhis, face routine harassment, forced conversions, and violent attacks. Despite being one of the largest religious minorities in Pakistan, they are often denied justice, protection, and basic human rights.
Key Issues Faced by Hindu Communities in Sindh:
- Forced Conversions: Young Hindu girls are abducted, converted to Islam, and married off against their will, with little legal recourse.
- Violence and Intimidation: Hindu families are frequently targeted by powerful local groups, with police often failing to intervene or siding with attackers.
- Economic Exploitation: Many Hindus in Sindh work as farm laborers or in menial jobs, facing wage theft, bonded labor, and land grabs by influential landlords.
- Social Marginalization: Hindus are excluded from political representation and face discrimination in education and employment.
The impunity enjoyed by perpetrators emboldens further attacks, creating a cycle of violence and fear for Hindu communities.
Police Complicity: A Betrayal of Trust
The alleged involvement of police in shielding the attackers is a gross violation of their duty to protect all citizens, regardless of religion or caste. This incident raises serious questions about the rule of law in Sindh and the systemic biases that allow such injustices to persist.
Human rights activists have condemned the police’s inaction and demanded an immediate and impartial investigation. “This is not just a failure of law enforcement—it’s a betrayal of the trust that minorities place in the state,” said [Name], a human rights advocate. “When the police protect the attackers instead of the victims, it sends a message that violence against Hindus will go unpunished.”
Calls for Justice and Accountability
In the wake of this attack, human rights organizations, civil society groups, and political leaders have demanded justice for the Hindu Kolhi community. Key demands include:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers.
- Disciplinary action against police officers who failed to protect the victims.
- Compensation and rehabilitation for the affected families.
- Long-term measures to ensure the safety and rights of Hindu communities in Sindh.
“This is a test for Pakistan’s justice system,” a local activist. “If the state cannot protect its most vulnerable citizens, then who will?”
A Plea for Solidarity and Action
The Hindu Kolhi community in Kunri is urgently calling for support from national and international human rights organizations. They are demanding not just justice for this attack but also systemic changes to end the cycle of violence and impunity against religious minorities in Pakistan.
This incident is a painful reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by Hindus in Pakistan. Without accountability and reform, such attacks will continue, and more families will suffer.
Conclusion: The Need for Urgent Reform
The brutal attack on the Hindu Kolhi community in Kunri, Umerkot, is a stark example of the failures of Pakistan’s justice system and the pervasive discrimination faced by religious minorities. The complicity of police in this violence is unacceptable and demands immediate action.
Pakistan must uphold its constitutional obligation to protect all citizens, regardless of their faith or caste. The international community must hold Pakistani authorities accountable and pressure them to end the persecution of Hindus and other minorities.
The time for justice, equality, and human dignity is now.
#JusticeForHinduKolhi #EndViolenceAgainstMinorities #ProtectHindusInPakistan #PoliceReformNow
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