Allegations of forceful conversions

The latest allegations of a forceful conversion of young Hindu girl in Sindh brought to light yet again the dilemma faced by the community in the region.

Many families reportedly living in fear and insecurity as some 20 young girls are said to convert to Islam on monthly basis.

Each incident starts with allegations of kidnapping and coerced conversion leveled by the victim family and concludes in the girl in question being produced in courts to announce that she has changed religion of her own free will.

Amidst threats and complaints of dire consequences by armed Islamist groups, such court hearings take place under tense circumstances. Furthermore, the girl, who changed her religion, is not permitted to see her family members.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) is right in questioning the truthfulness of such conversions when coercion allegedly involved in most of cases.

Like many people, a question appeared in my mind why it is only young women of marriageable age, and not male members of the Hindu community, who nearly always convert under dubious circumstances.

At the same time, reports of Hindu families migrating to India and elsewhere also surface, with panic and fear cited as the main reasons.

The Sindh government has remained silent on the treatment of minorities, particularly Hindu community in the region.

Unfortunately, the law and order situation is not praise worthy in the province. Ratio of kidnapping for ransom in cities and towns stands high; in the vicinity, especially where minorities are concerned.

In mostly cases, feudal lords due to sheer lust and wickedness involve in abduction of women in the region.

In case the girl belongs to a minority faith, the crime committed often finds a ready explanation in claims of conversion, with the support of local religious leaders.

Even the law is nearly seen to take the suitable route, endorsing the conversion and lets the girl go with her alleged kidnappers.

Without any hope of redress or sincere investigation, this is quite painful practice not only for Pakistani society but also for the Islam. The religion does not allow forceful conversion at any cost.

The government should take up the matter with due urgency, and carry out complete investigations into alleged abductions and forceful conversions. According to societal norms and Islamic teachings, justice should be served beyond religious affiliations.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=15577

Posted by Faisal Farooq on Mar 13 2012. Filed under National, Opinion, Pakistan, Society. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.