A Hindu Girl Kidnapped and Forced into Marriage in Pakistan Sparks Outrage
The recent kidnapping and forced marriage of a Hindu girl in Pakistan’s Sindh province has sparked outrage and shed light on the ongoing persecution faced by religious minorities in the country. Rajita Kolhi, a young Hindu girl, was abducted and forcibly married against her will in the Mirpurkhas area.
Despite expressing her desire to be reunited with her family in court, the additional session judge decided to send Rajita to Darul Aman, a so-called safe house. This decision has sparked criticism from various individuals and organizations who believe that justice was not served in this case.
Shiva Kachhi, Co-Chairman and founder of Minority Rights Organisation, voiced his concerns on social media, stating that a Muslim girl who willingly left her home to marry someone was returned to her family, while Rajita, a Hindu girl who was in distress and repeatedly expressed her wish to go back to her parents, was still sent to a shelter home. He called for the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Sindh High Court, and Human Rights Organizations to intervene and address this judicial injustice.
According to Shiva Kachhi, Rajita was abducted and forced to marry Ashiq Ahmadani, a man from the Badin district who belongs to a different religious background. This incident has once again highlighted the issue of forced conversions of Hindu girls in Sindh.
Various individuals and organizations have condemned this incident, emphasizing the longstanding oppression faced by Sindhi Hindus in Pakistan. Lakhu Luhana, general secretary of World Sindhi Congress, expressed deep concern over Rajita’s ordeal and called for international assistance in rescuing the daughters of Sindh.
The safety and well-being of minorities in Pakistan have been a subject of concern for many, with incidents like the abduction of Hindu girls raising questions about disparities in justice and rules for minorities. Manjinder Singh Sirsa, an Indian politician, also expressed his worries and called on the government of India to help the distressed Hindu community in Pakistan.
Persecution and oppression of religious minorities have been ongoing issues in Pakistan. According to reports, Hindu and Christian women and children are often targeted, facing the risk of abduction, forced conversions, rape, and coerced marriages with older men. The Minority Rights March held in Karachi earlier this year demanded urgent action to address these pressing issues and called for legislation to criminalize forced conversions.
The international community is urged to take notice of the plight of religious minorities in Pakistan and support efforts to protect their rights and ensure equal opportunities. The participants of the march also highlighted the need to address property rights issues faced by religious minorities, including the return of unjustly encroached properties.
The abduction and forced marriage of Rajita Kolhi reflect the grim reality faced by Sindhi Hindu girls. As the voices against these injustices grow louder, it is crucial for authorities to take immediate action to protect the rights and well-being of religious minorities in Pakistan.
