Pakistani govt. to probe reports of forced conversion of Sikhs
What's the story
An inquiry committee has been set up by the Pakistani government to investigate reports of Sikhs being forcibly converted to Islam in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province. The development was conveyed by Pakistan's high commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said India would take up the matter with the Pakistani government.
Reports
Sikhs in K-P were being forcibly converted by local official
Pakistan's Tribune newspaper reported on December 16 that the Sikh community in Hangu, K-P, had lodged a complaint with authorities claiming that Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Tall Yaqoob Khan was forcefully converting them to Islam. The Sikh community also staged a protest against the forced conversions. Around 10,000 Sikhs reside in K-P, a province known to be a hotbed for militancy and sectarian violence.
Twitter Post
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh raised the issue with Swaraj
Request @SushmaSwaraj ji to take up this issue with Pakistan. We cannot allow the Sikh community to be victimised in such a manner. It’s our duty to help protect the Sikh identity and the @MEAIndia should pursue the matter at the highest levels.https://t.co/sRFjV1pk5Q
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) December 19, 2017
Twitter Post
Swaraj: 'Will raise matter with highest level of Pak govt.'
We will take this up at the highest level with Government of Pakistan. @IndiainPakistan
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 19, 2017
Sikh community in Hangu ‘being forced to convert’ https://t.co/HiWuVmBzbj
Details
Mahmood: Inquiry committee will submit report soon
This urban-rural dichotomy could be the biggest lesson from this election. Before elections in BIMARU states, like Rajasthan and MP, BJP might work towards resolving farmer distress. Conversely, Congress might strengthen its strategy of attracting urban voters. Further, a Congress lead in rural areas suggests that its main voter-base may not have deserted the party as yet. They just need to mobilize it.