Demand for her freedom and charging of the kidnappers – Overseas Sindhis Condemn the Kidnapping of Ms. Rinkal Kumari

London, UK and Garden Grove, CA: Overseas Sindhis including USA-based Sindhi Association of North America and UK/USA based World Sindhi Congress (WSC) condemn the kidnapping and as that is what she said in open court; forced conversion to Islam of a Hindu teenage girl, Rinkal Kumari. Ms. Kumari kidnapped from Mirpur Mathelo and held in custody of local PPP MNA. When the local community protested, Ms. Kumari was brought to a court but members of the Hindu community were not permitted to enter the public court session. She stated to the court that she wants to go home. But the judge forced her to remain in the custody of her kidnappers.

“We are shocked to read in press that the local representative to the Pakistan National Assembly, a member of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is reported to be complicit in the miscarriage of justice,” said Hidayat Bhutto, Chairman of the WSC.

The National Assembly member drove her to court where her parents were not permitted to be present. He also brought armed personnel with him to intimidate local community. We are seeing utter failure of police and judiciary to protect a vulnerable member of a religious minority.

“We are saddened that this is happening in Sindh, the land of Sufis. For centuries, Hindus and Muslims in Sindh have lived together peacefully and have respected all religion.” Said Dr. Valeed Shaikh, the President of SANA.

It is primary responsibility of state to protect its citizen specially minority so that live their according their faith. Respect for all religions and the protection of minorities is a pillar of a civil society. We demand:

That the PPP administration and Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice and provide swift freedom to Ms. Kumari and her family.

While the Chief Minister of Sindh has condemned the judge, this is not enough. Disciplinary action must be taken to remove the judge who has shown gross bias and dereliction of his basic duties.

We demand that the kidnappers of a minor child be charged with all applicable laws.

We also call on Sindhi organizations and respected members of society to standup to speak out against this gross injustice.

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