Injustice and Persecution: Forced Migration of Sindhi Hindus in Pakistan

Abstract

Sufism, secularism, pluralism, and religious tolerance are few for the unique features Sindh had always been known for around the globe. When the rest of Pakistan was devastated by sectarian genocide and targeted persecution, there was much to be learned from Sindh. People of Sindh have always been pluralistic and tolerant, but state sponsored seminaries house ethnic Punjabi or Pashtun Mullahs from Punjab and KPK provinces who target, harass and persecute Sindhi Hindus. The continued incidences of violence against the largest religious minority group Sindhi Hindus have created a sense of insecurity among them. They are subjected to kidnapping for ransom, forced abductions and conversions of their women. These trends forcing the indigenous dwellers to abandon their motherland. The aim of this study is to highlight the targeted discrimination and persecution of Sindhi Hindus which force them to abandon their own homeland Sindh. It also evaluates the underlying causes behind criminal activities and what are the possible motives of perpetrators. This study concluded that state sponsored religious seminaries that house ethnic Punjabi or Pashtun Mullahs from Punjab and KPK provinces are involved in the persecution of Sindhi Hindus. This is a conspiracy against indigenous people of Sindh to convert them into minority on their own homeland. By altering the demography of Sindh, they can undermine the political strength of Sindhis and make them defenseless to protect their natural resources, culture, language and their real and historical identity.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n2s5p11