334 Attacks against minorities in Pakistan, 3582 in Bangladesh; India slams both for persecution

The Government of India has raised serious concerns over violence against minorities in neighbouring countries. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament that since 2021, India has reported at least 334 major incidents of violence against minorities in Pakistan and 3,582 against Bangladesh.

 

 

Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Singh said the government closely monitors reports of violence and atrocities against religious minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

 

 

On Pakistan, Singh said, “Since 2021, the Government of India has raised at least 334 major incidents with the Government of Pakistan, urging it to fulfil its constitutional duties towards all citizens, including minorities, and to end sectarian violence, prejudice, and religious intolerance.”

 

 

On Bangladesh, Singh informed that at least 3,582 incidents of violence against Hindus and other minorities have been reported since 2021. “The Government of India has shared its concerns with the Government of Bangladesh, including at the highest levels, and expects them to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Hindus and other minorities,” he added

 

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He added that India has also highlighted the conditions of minorities and human rights violations in Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.

 

 

In July, the UN human rights office told Pakistan to take serious steps to stop growing attacks and discrimination against religious minorities, including Ahmadis. UN experts said they were shocked by months of constant violence, killings, and harassment while accusing authorities of silently allowing it to happen. They urged Pakistan to protect minority communities, their places of worship, and cemeteries, and to punish those responsible.

 

 

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch says Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Prize winner Mohammed Yunus, is finding it hard to deliver on its promises of human rights reforms.

 

 

(With inputs from agencies)