There are a considerable number of Hindus living in Balochistan. They are not only living there for a century now but are totally incorporated in the tribal system. Apart from this fact, minorities create diversity in a society and help to ward off extremist forces by creating interfaith harmony.
However, the kidnappers and extortionists are also targeting Hindus along with other people. State law provides protection to the minorities in Pakistan but somehow the implementation is always lacking. We have also seen similar incidents in the tribal areas of Orakzai, where the Sikh community is often targeted by the extremist minded Taliban. Hindus are mostly businessmen so the kidnappers abduct them for ransom. This rise in kidnappings has resulted in exodus of Hindus from Balochistan to other areas of Pakistan and India as well.
In a recent incident, one of the spiritual leaders of Hindu community was abducted with three other people raising the threat level among the community. It is important for the authorities to provide protection to the minorities so that they are not forced to migrate to other places.
FARUKH SARWAR
Islamabad
