Hindus in Pakistan are minority. Their population has decreased from 22% in 1951 (It includes the population data from Bangladesh as well) to roughly 1-1.5% i.e. close to 2 millions at present. Seeing this, Question comes to mind that what exactly might have been the reason behind such a fall of population? Hindus have become critically endangered population in Pakistan. These are the times, when we even care for the animals when their population falls below a level. This raises the concern what Pakistan Government is doing for the Hindu citizens belonging to Pakistan. On papers, It might be doing something but the reality is brutal.
Had a meeting with a few Pakistani Hindus yesterday. I was literally shocked. Pakistan has sucked life out of them, They are just so afraid. Since last 5 years they have been trying to get their visas ready to visit India for Kumbh Mela. 480 Pakistani Hindus have come. Only one person from a family has been granted a visa in most of their cases. Though their family members are in Pakistan, yet none of them wants to go back to Pakistan. Even a mother with her children in Pakistan wants to stay in India! This brings us to the question what exactly they have been facing?
Their condition in Pakistan is like a second-grade citizen. They being in such minority are not a vote bank for any party. Hence nobody cares about them. They while going out from their homes cannot wear or have their hindu symbols otherwise they are harassed in various ways. A Hindu Male in Pakistan while going out has to wear a Taqiah ( short, rounded cap worn by Muslims). A Hindu Female cannot wear Mangal-Sutra, have Bindi aur Sindur. Rather in many cases, She has to wear Burqah for her safety. There also are no Hindu religious books easily available in Pakistan. Even when they go to market to purchase something, they are disallowed from touching it in many cases.
Their religious places have been dismantled. They are facing atrocities in various forms. Families are afraid of sending the female children to school for they are afraid of them being kidnapped and being forced to change the religion and marry a muslim forcefully. Even in these cases, Pakistan Judiciary has taken partial decisions.
Last but not the least, I also would take this opportunity to appreciate Mr Nahar Singh, the person who has well managed stay of all 480 Pakistani Hindus with his single-handed efforts.
Indian Government has yet to take a decision on their future whether they will be staying in India or they will be deported back. But given a chance none of them wants to go back, come what may. They are over brothers in distress. Their basic human rights are being violated. They need our help. If we won't, then who will?
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