Security fears worry Pakistani Hindus

Karachi, July 27: The Hindu community in Pakistan has expressed concerns at the increase in incidents targeting the life and properties, including places of worship, of the Hindus in the Islamic nation.
The Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC), a representative body of the minority community in the country, expressed concerns over Hindus being target of rising number of robberies in Sindh province.
The Council demanded that the federal Government in Islamabad take immediate measures to prevent such incidents and protect the minority community in the country.
Large number of Hindus took part in a protest in Karachi against the recent robbery in Jacobabad where armed men entered a Hindu temple and robbed some 350 Hindu women of cash and jewelry worth millions of rupees.
Former Sindh lawmaker Dr Ramesh Lal accused the the police and other law enforcement agencies of having failed to provide security to the citizens, particularly the minorities.
"The dacoits have robbed valuables worth approximately Rs 70 million and after the recent incident in Jacobabad, members of the minority communities, especially women, are even afraid to go their religious places," PHC Secretary General Hari Motwani was quoted as saying by the Daily Times newspaper.
"Therefore, we demand that the Government immediately arrest the dacoits and ensure safety measures for minorities, said Motwani, adding that the incident took place in broad daylight and yet the police were unable to prevent it.
"The robberies, coupled with the kidnappings of Hindus in the northern districts of Sindh, have created panic and insecurity amongst the minorities," PHC President Raja Assermal Manglani said, adding that the government needed to ease their fears.