The religious minorities in Pakistan have accused the government of undercounting them in the latest census data published in May.&nbsp;

This comes in four years after the survey was conducted.

The survey for the sixth Population and Housing Census was undertaken under former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and got completed in 2017.&nbsp;

However, the results were delayed after some provinces, including Sindh and Balochistan flagged the issue of undercounting.

According to the 2017 census data, Pakistan’s overall population has grown to 207.68 million.&nbsp;

This is an increase of around 75 million since 1998 when the country recorded 132.3 million people.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-display-suicide-vests-and-ieds-in-weapon-parade-410441">Also read |&nbsp;Taliban display suicide vests and IEDs in weapon parade</a>

As per the census, the Muslim population in Pakistan grew by 96.47 per cent while the population of other religious minorities reported negligible growth and even shrank in some cases.

Hindus in Pakistan account for 1.73 per cent of the total population while Christians make up for 1.27 per cent of Pakistani residents.&nbsp;

Other minorities like Ahmaddiyas account for less than 0.1 per cent of Pakistan’s population.&nbsp;

Karachi Supreme Court attorney Neel Keshav claimed that the Hindu population in Pakistan is likely to be much higher, reported Pakistan Today.

Pakistan Today quoted Center for Social Justice Director Peter Jacob as saying, "Even though Christians have migrated overseas and converted to Islam, our church records make us suspect that Christians may have been undercounted by at least half a million. We're struggling to find accurate data, and somehow the government is not helping. It is not investigating".

The religious minorities in Pakistan have accused the government of undercounting them in the latest census data published in May. This comes in four years after the survey was conducted.

The religious minorities in Pakistan have accused the government of undercounting them in the latest census data published in May. This comes in four years after the survey was conducted. The survey for the sixth Population and Housing Census was undertaken under former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and got completed in 2017. However, the results were delayed after some provinces, including Sindh and Balochistan flagged the issue of undercounting. According to the 2017 census data, Pakistan’s overall population has grown to 207.68 million. This is an increase of around 75 million since 1998 when the country recorded 132.3 million people. Also read | Taliban display suicide vests and IEDs in weapon parade As per the census, the Muslim population in Pakistan grew by 96.47 per cent while the population of other religious minorities reported negligible growth and even shrank in some cases. Hindus in Pakistan account for 1.73 per cent of the total population while Christians make up for 1.27 per cent of Pakistani residents. Other minorities like Ahmaddiyas account for less than 0.1 per cent of Pakistan’s population. Karachi Supreme Court attorney Neel Keshav claimed that the Hindu population in Pakistan is likely to be much higher, reported Pakistan Today. Pakistan Today quoted Center for Social Justice Director Peter Jacob as saying, "Even though Christians have migrated overseas and converted to Islam, our church records make us suspect that Christians may have been undercounted by at least half a million. We're struggling to find accurate data, and somehow the government is not helping. It is not investigating".

Pakistan accused of undercounting Hindus, Christians in latest census

According to local reports, Afghan Sikhs and Hindus will be allowed to travel to India provided they possess valid travel documents. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report cited Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who has told Afghan media that there are no obstacles on the travel of Hindus and Sikhs. They can go to Kabul airport and travel to India and attend religious ceremonies. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;UN Security Council urges Taliban to allow travel, aid to Afghans

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Referring to the security of minority Hindu and Sikh communities in Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said that the group had no problem with them as with other minorities. &nbsp; &nbsp;

It was earlier reported that the Taliban had stopped some Hindus and Sikhs, who were Afghan nationals, from boarding an evacuation flight to India last week. &nbsp;

Kabul-based Parwan Committee Chairman Gurnam Singh told local media that about 150 Hindus and Sikhs were to leave for India but they were not allowed to fly.

Also Read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/afghan-territory-not-to-be-used-to-shelter-train-terrorists-demands-unsc-resolution-409569" hreflang="en">Afghan territory not to be used to shelter, train terrorists, demands UNSC resolution</a>

Now, a Sikh leader in Kabul has said the commitment should be fulfilled by allowing them to attend religious ceremonies in India. &nbsp;

Many Sikhs are travelling at this time to India as celebrations of the landmark 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur is underway this year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Several people are also trying to flee Afghanistan fearing their lives under the Taliban rule. India has already evacuated several people from the war-torn country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

According to local reports, Afghan Sikhs and Hindus will be allowed to travel to India provided they possess valid travel documents. The report cited Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who has told Afghan media that there are no obstacles on the travel of Hindus and Sikhs.

According to local reports, Afghan Sikhs and Hindus will be allowed to travel to India provided they possess valid travel documents. The report cited Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who has told Afghan media that there are no obstacles on the travel of Hindus and Sikhs. They can go to Kabul airport and travel to India and attend religious ceremonies. Watch | UN Security Council urges Taliban to allow travel, aid to Afghans × Referring to the security of minority Hindu and Sikh communities in Afghanistan, the Taliban spokesperson said that the group had no problem with them as with other minorities. It was earlier reported that the Taliban had stopped some Hindus and Sikhs, who were Afghan nationals, from boarding an evacuation flight to India last week. Kabul-based Parwan Committee Chairman Gurnam Singh told local media that about 150 Hindus and Sikhs were to leave for India but they were not allowed to fly. Also Read | Afghan territory not to be used to shelter, train terrorists, demands UNSC resolution Now, a Sikh leader in Kabul has said the commitment should be fulfilled by allowing them to attend religious ceremonies in India. Many Sikhs are travelling at this time to India as celebrations of the landmark 400th birth anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur is underway this year. Several people are also trying to flee Afghanistan fearing their lives under the Taliban rule. India has already evacuated several people from the war-torn country. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan Sikhs, Hindus with valid documents can travel to India: Taliban

In the backdrop of the Afghanistan crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The meet saw a full-fledged briefing on the current situation in Afghanistan but also focus on the evacuation of Indian nationals and vulnerable Afghans, especially the minorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi, according to senior officials, said, "India must not only protect our citizens, but we must also provide refuge to those Sikh and Hindu minorities,&nbsp;who want to come to India, and we must also provide all possible help to our Afghan brothers and sisters,&nbsp;who are looking towards India for assistance."&nbsp;

Remember,&nbsp;India has opened emergency E visas for Afghans,&nbsp;who want to come to India. A 24x7 Special Afghanistan Cell has been brought into the function to coordinate the repatriation and requests from Afghanistan. India aims to give visas to Afghan officials,&nbsp;who worked for India, members of the civil society, and journalists.&nbsp;

Around 1,650 Indian nationals have requested for repatriation. Before Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban on August&nbsp;15, India had got 1,500 requests from Indians wanting to come back. Since August&nbsp;15, India got 150 requests of Indians wanting to come. India is looking to get services of foreign commercial airlines, including the likes of Qatar for evacuation of its nationals.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister has instructed all "concerned officials to undertake all necessary measures to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from Afghanistan in the coming days", sources highlighted.&nbsp;

Indian mission in Kabul had issued&nbsp;four&nbsp;security advisories asking Indians to leave the country and in the latest release by MEA pointed out that, "Those already in Afghanistan were urged to return immediately while others were advised not to travel there."&nbsp;

During the meet, a detailed briefing was given to the prime minister on the current security and political situation in Afghanistan, including the recent evacuation of Indian officials, members of the Indian media, and others. The initial plan was to evacuate Indian officials from Kabul from&nbsp;August&nbsp;17 to 21 but this was preponed as the Taliban entered&nbsp;Kabul.&nbsp;

The meeting was attended by&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Other than that, senior officials including Principal Secretary to PM Dr P K Mishra, NSA Ajit Doval, and Cabinet Secretary Rajeev Gauba were also present. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan&nbsp;Shringla&nbsp;and Indian envoy to Kabul&nbsp;Rudrendra&nbsp;Tandon were also present. Important to note&nbsp;that&nbsp;Tandon had arrived on Tuesday on the C-17 flight from Kabul to&nbsp;Hindon&nbsp;via Jamnagar.&nbsp;

In the backdrop of the Afghanistan crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The meet saw a full-fledged briefing on the current situation in Afghanistan but also focus on the evacuation of Indian nationals and vulnerable Afghans, especially the minorities.

In the backdrop of the Afghanistan crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The meet saw a full-fledged briefing on the current situation in Afghanistan but also focus on the evacuation of Indian nationals and vulnerable Afghans, especially the minorities. During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi, according to senior officials, said, "India must not only protect our citizens, but we must also provide refuge to those Sikh and Hindu minorities, who want to come to India, and we must also provide all possible help to our Afghan brothers and sisters, who are looking towards India for assistance." Remember, India has opened emergency E visas for Afghans, who want to come to India. A 24x7 Special Afghanistan Cell has been brought into the function to coordinate the repatriation and requests from Afghanistan. India aims to give visas to Afghan officials, who worked for India, members of the civil society, and journalists. Around 1,650 Indian nationals have requested for repatriation. Before Kabul fell into the hands of the Taliban on August 15, India had got 1,500 requests from Indians wanting to come back. Since August 15, India got 150 requests of Indians wanting to come. India is looking to get services of foreign commercial airlines, including the likes of Qatar for evacuation of its nationals. The Prime Minister has instructed all "concerned officials to undertake all necessary measures to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian nationals from Afghanistan in the coming days", sources highlighted. Indian mission in Kabul had issued four security advisories asking Indians to leave the country and in the latest release by MEA pointed out that, "Those already in Afghanistan were urged to return immediately while others were advised not to travel there." During the meet, a detailed briefing was given to the prime minister on the current security and political situation in Afghanistan, including the recent evacuation of Indian officials, members of the Indian media, and others. The initial plan was to evacuate Indian officials from Kabul from August 17 to 21 but this was preponed as the Taliban entered Kabul. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Other than that, senior officials including Principal Secretary to PM Dr P K Mishra, NSA Ajit Doval, and Cabinet Secretary Rajeev Gauba were also present. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Indian envoy to Kabul Rudrendra Tandon were also present. Important to note that Tandon had arrived on Tuesday on the C-17 flight from Kabul to Hindon via Jamnagar.

India to provide refuge to Afghan Sikhs, Hindus & others looking for help: PM Modi

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine properties of Hindus have been restored by the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far. 
 
In a written reply to a star question Rai, citing the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Regarding restoration of properties to its rightful and original owner, 9 properties have been restored, as per the information provided by the Govt of Jammu &amp; Kashmir". 
 
Asked about what steps the J&amp;K Government was taking to restore the ancestral property of Hindus who had to flee from Kashmir in the wake of terrorist violence, the Minister said that under the J&amp;K Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection &amp; Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, the District Magistrates of the concerned districts in Jammu &amp; Kashmir are the legal custodians of the immovable properties of migrants, who take suo moto action on eviction proceedings in cases of encroachment. The migrants can also request the District Magistrates in such cases. 
 
He informed that after the abrogation of Article 370, a total of 520 migrants have returned to Kashmir for taking up jobs under the Prime Minister`s Development Package-2015. 
 
In reply to another question on whether the Government has altered the land laws of Jammu and Kashmir wherein no domicile or permanent resident certificate is required to purchase non-agricultural land in the UT, Rai informed that after August 5, 2019 all provisions of the Constitution of India have been made applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which necessitated changes in existing laws in Jammu and Kashmir by Adaptation Orders so as to conform with the provisions of the Constitution of India.

As per the adapted land laws of Jammu and Kashmir, the Government may, by notification in the official gazette, allow transfer of land for public purposes such as education, charitable and healthcare. 
 
He said in his written reply that under the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, 1950, the land was transferred to the tillers. The Act also prescribed a limit to right of ownership to 182 standard kanals (22.75 acres).

However, this Act has been repealed and another legislation, `The Jammu &amp; Kashmir Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976`, for transfer of land to tillers, is in force. This Act prescribes a ceiling restriction of 100 standard kanals (12.5 acres).

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine properties of Hindus have been restored by the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Wednesday informed the Rajya Sabha that nine properties of Hindus have been restored by the Jammu and Kashmir administration so far. In a written reply to a star question Rai, citing the information provided by the government of Jammu and Kashmir, said, "Regarding restoration of properties to its rightful and original owner, 9 properties have been restored, as per the information provided by the Govt of Jammu & Kashmir". Asked about what steps the J&K Government was taking to restore the ancestral property of Hindus who had to flee from Kashmir in the wake of terrorist violence, the Minister said that under the J&K Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection & Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997, the District Magistrates of the concerned districts in Jammu & Kashmir are the legal custodians of the immovable properties of migrants, who take suo moto action on eviction proceedings in cases of encroachment. The migrants can also request the District Magistrates in such cases. He informed that after the abrogation of Article 370, a total of 520 migrants have returned to Kashmir for taking up jobs under the Prime Minister`s Development Package-2015. In reply to another question on whether the Government has altered the land laws of Jammu and Kashmir wherein no domicile or permanent resident certificate is required to purchase non-agricultural land in the UT, Rai informed that after August 5, 2019 all provisions of the Constitution of India have been made applicable to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir which necessitated changes in existing laws in Jammu and Kashmir by Adaptation Orders so as to conform with the provisions of the Constitution of India. As per the adapted land laws of Jammu and Kashmir, the Government may, by notification in the official gazette, allow transfer of land for public purposes such as education, charitable and healthcare. He said in his written reply that under the Jammu and Kashmir Big Landed Estates Abolition Act, 1950, the land was transferred to the tillers. The Act also prescribed a limit to right of ownership to 182 standard kanals (22.75 acres). However, this Act has been repealed and another legislation, `The Jammu & Kashmir Agrarian Reforms Act, 1976`, for transfer of land to tillers, is in force. This Act prescribes a ceiling restriction of 100 standard kanals (12.5 acres).

9 ancestral properties of Hindus restored in Jammu & Kashmir: Centre

Hindus are positively influencing various important areas of Bangladesh including politics, economy and culture. Although there is a religious minority, they are in harmony with Muslims.

Hindus positively influence Bangladesh's important areas

The Hindu community in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to pardon the mob that vandalised and burned down a century-old temple in the province.&nbsp;

The local clerics and members of the Hindu community held a meeting on Saturday to resolve the dispute.&nbsp;

As per the dialogue, informally called 'jirga', the accused have tendered an apology over the attack and a similar incident in 1997. The Muslim clerics have assured full protection to the Hindus and their rights as per the country's Constitution.&nbsp;

A reconciliation statement from the meeting would be presented to the Supreme Court, in a bid to secure the release of the accused from detention.&nbsp;

On December 30 last year, a mob led by some local clerics and members of radical Islamist party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam vandalised the temple and an adjoining 'samadhi' and set it on fire in Terri village of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district.&nbsp;

Speaking to the media after the meeting with the local Ulema, Pakistan Hindu Council Chairman Ramesh Kumar said the incident had hurt the feelings of Hindus across the world.&nbsp;

Kumar, who is also a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker, said KPK Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had chaired the 'jirga' proceedings and thanked him for settling the matter amicably.&nbsp;

Mahmood Khan, in his address to jirga members, had condemned the attack strongly, calling it an attempt to pollute the peaceful environment in the province.&nbsp;

The attack on the temple had drawn strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction.&nbsp;

Nearly 50 people have been arrested in the case.&nbsp;

Following the incident, India had lodged a strong protest with Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs had conveyed its serious concerns to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi over the repeated instances of similar incidents and atrocities against the members of the minority community.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Hindu community in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to pardon the mob that vandalised and burned down a century-old temple in the province. The local clerics and members of the Hindu community held a meeting on Saturday to resolve the dispute.

The Hindu community in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to pardon the mob that vandalised and burned down a century-old temple in the province. The local clerics and members of the Hindu community held a meeting on Saturday to resolve the dispute. As per the dialogue, informally called 'jirga', the accused have tendered an apology over the attack and a similar incident in 1997. The Muslim clerics have assured full protection to the Hindus and their rights as per the country's Constitution. A reconciliation statement from the meeting would be presented to the Supreme Court, in a bid to secure the release of the accused from detention. On December 30 last year, a mob led by some local clerics and members of radical Islamist party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam vandalised the temple and an adjoining 'samadhi' and set it on fire in Terri village of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district. Speaking to the media after the meeting with the local Ulema, Pakistan Hindu Council Chairman Ramesh Kumar said the incident had hurt the feelings of Hindus across the world. Kumar, who is also a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf lawmaker, said KPK Chief Minister Mahmood Khan had chaired the 'jirga' proceedings and thanked him for settling the matter amicably. Mahmood Khan, in his address to jirga members, had condemned the attack strongly, calling it an attempt to pollute the peaceful environment in the province. The attack on the temple had drawn strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction. Nearly 50 people have been arrested in the case. Following the incident, India had lodged a strong protest with Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs had conveyed its serious concerns to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi over the repeated instances of similar incidents and atrocities against the members of the minority community. (With inputs from agencies)

Hindus 'pardon' mob accused of vandalising temple in Pakistan 

A leader of the minority Hindu community in Pakistan on Sunday demanded protection for a temple in Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province fearing an attack on the place of worship by some mischievous elements who wanted to occupy its land. 
 
Hindu community leader Haroon Sarab Dayal said the temple in Havelian city is an old structure and now the land mafia is out to destroy this heritage. 
 
"A handful of mischievous elements wanted to occupy the temple land in Havelian city to spread anarchy in the country," he told the media here. 
 
Dayal said that the matter is not restricted to Havelian city temple. There are scores of other temples, dharma shalas, paat shalas, Gattu shalas, Anat Ashram, cremation grounds, satsung hall, gurdwaras and other worship places across Pakistan which needed to be protected and preserved, he added. 
 
"We demand from the government to ensure protection to minorities places to avoid Terri like incident," he added. 
 
In December, a temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district was attacked by a mob after members of the Hindu community received permission from local authorities to renovate its decades-old building. The mob had demolished the newly constructed work alongside the old structure. 
 
The attack on the temple in Terri village by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group) drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction. 
 
Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. 
 
According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. 
 
The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists.&nbsp;

A leader of the minority Hindu community in Pakistan on Sunday demanded protection for a temple in Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province fearing an attack on the place of worship by some mischievous elements who wanted to occupy its land.

A leader of the minority Hindu community in Pakistan on Sunday demanded protection for a temple in Abbottabad district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province fearing an attack on the place of worship by some mischievous elements who wanted to occupy its land. Hindu community leader Haroon Sarab Dayal said the temple in Havelian city is an old structure and now the land mafia is out to destroy this heritage. "A handful of mischievous elements wanted to occupy the temple land in Havelian city to spread anarchy in the country," he told the media here. Dayal said that the matter is not restricted to Havelian city temple. There are scores of other temples, dharma shalas, paat shalas, Gattu shalas, Anat Ashram, cremation grounds, satsung hall, gurdwaras and other worship places across Pakistan which needed to be protected and preserved, he added. "We demand from the government to ensure protection to minorities places to avoid Terri like incident," he added. In December, a temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district was attacked by a mob after members of the Hindu community received permission from local authorities to renovate its decades-old building. The mob had demolished the newly constructed work alongside the old structure. The attack on the temple in Terri village by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group) drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists.

Hindu community leader demands protection for temple in northwest Pakistan

Several British Hindu organisations have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking urgent action to "stop the rampant persecution" of Hindus in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We the representatives of the national umbrella bodies for Hindus in the UK would like to seek urgent action to demand that the Prime Minister of Pakistan does everything possible to stop the rampant persecution of Hindus in Pakistan" the letter issued on Saturday to 10 Downing Street said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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It also noted that "in the recent past the situation for minorities like Hindus in Pakistan is getting extremely perilous".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-meets-families-of-slain-hazara-miners-355665">Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets families of slain Hazara miners</a>

The letter demanded from the British PM to set up a governmental inquiry and asked other "good democracies" to do the same.&nbsp;

"We ask you Prime Minister to set up a Governmental Inquiry into this issue and to ask all good democracies around the world, via the United Nations, to replicate a similar type of inquiry. The mass murder, genocide and persecution of minorities in Pakistan must be stopped," the letter was quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

The destruction of Hindu temple by fanatics on December 30 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan also finds a mention in the letter.&nbsp;

The mob demolished the decades-old temple after the provincial government gave permission for its restoration. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"The vast majority of UK and international news organisations failed to cover this religiously motivated hate crime," the letter added.&nbsp;

It also pointed out anti-Hindu sentiments displayed in Pakistan by high-profile people, including the opposition to the construction of a Hindu temple in the capital city of Islamabad.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Several British Hindu organisations have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking urgent action to "stop the rampant persecution" of Hindus in Pakistan.

Several British Hindu organisations have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson seeking urgent action to "stop the rampant persecution" of Hindus in Pakistan. "We the representatives of the national umbrella bodies for Hindus in the UK would like to seek urgent action to demand that the Prime Minister of Pakistan does everything possible to stop the rampant persecution of Hindus in Pakistan" the letter issued on Saturday to 10 Downing Street said. Watch | It also noted that "in the recent past the situation for minorities like Hindus in Pakistan is getting extremely perilous". Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets families of slain Hazara miners The letter demanded from the British PM to set up a governmental inquiry and asked other "good democracies" to do the same. "We ask you Prime Minister to set up a Governmental Inquiry into this issue and to ask all good democracies around the world, via the United Nations, to replicate a similar type of inquiry. The mass murder, genocide and persecution of minorities in Pakistan must be stopped," the letter was quoted by news agency PTI. The destruction of Hindu temple by fanatics on December 30 in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan also finds a mention in the letter. The mob demolished the decades-old temple after the provincial government gave permission for its restoration. "The vast majority of UK and international news organisations failed to cover this religiously motivated hate crime," the letter added. It also pointed out anti-Hindu sentiments displayed in Pakistan by high-profile people, including the opposition to the construction of a Hindu temple in the capital city of Islamabad.

British Hindus write to Boris Johnson over 'rampant persecution' of minority group in Pakistan

Once-flourishing and thriving in Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus, who are facing persecution by the Islamic State terrorists, are leaving the nation in pursuit of a safer and better livelihood.&nbsp;

The people belonging to these communities in Afghanistan are at its lowest levels as a population of 250,000 is now reduced to fewer than 700, reported news agency AP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-ashraf-ghani-discuss-afghan-peace-process-330500">Imran Khan, Ashraf Ghani discuss Afghan peace process</a>

"We are no longer able to stay here," said Hamdard, a member of this community who just wanted to be known by his last name fearing consequences if he revealed his complete identity.&nbsp;

He said his seven family members, including a sister, son-in-law, nephews in an attack by IS on a temple in March, which killed 25 Sikhs. &nbsp;

Several people like Hamdard, who are born in Afghanistan, now wants to flee the country, claiming that they face discrimination in the Muslim majority country and state failed to protect them thoroughly.&nbsp;

Hamdard belongs to a group of Sikhs and Hindus, who last month left for India, from where they will be sent to a third nation.&nbsp;

He said the discrimination they face is nothing new and over the last many years, they have been targetted by various groups.

In the late 1990s, Sikhs and Hindus were asked by the Taliban, who ruled that time, to wear yellow armbands, but following much outcry globally, it was not implemented.

Also, people from these groups are unable to get backs their homes which were illegally captured years ago.&nbsp;

Hindu temples were also demolished during brutal clashes from 1992-96.&nbsp;

"Suffering big fatalities for a small community is not tolerable," said Charan Singh Khalsa, a leader of the Sikh community, who lives abroad and refused to name the country where he currently stays over a threat to his safety.

Charan, who fled the country two years ago after his brother was kidnapped and killed, said the last three years have been the worst for Afghans, specifically for Sikhs and Hindus.&nbsp;

Once-flourishing and thriving in Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus, who are facing persecution by the Islamic State terrorists, are leaving the nation in pursuit of a safer and better livelihood.

Once-flourishing and thriving in Afghanistan, Sikhs and Hindus, who are facing persecution by the Islamic State terrorists, are leaving the nation in pursuit of a safer and better livelihood. The people belonging to these communities in Afghanistan are at its lowest levels as a population of 250,000 is now reduced to fewer than 700, reported news agency AP. Also read | Imran Khan, Ashraf Ghani discuss Afghan peace process "We are no longer able to stay here," said Hamdard, a member of this community who just wanted to be known by his last name fearing consequences if he revealed his complete identity. He said his seven family members, including a sister, son-in-law, nephews in an attack by IS on a temple in March, which killed 25 Sikhs. Several people like Hamdard, who are born in Afghanistan, now wants to flee the country, claiming that they face discrimination in the Muslim majority country and state failed to protect them thoroughly. Hamdard belongs to a group of Sikhs and Hindus, who last month left for India, from where they will be sent to a third nation. He said the discrimination they face is nothing new and over the last many years, they have been targetted by various groups. In the late 1990s, Sikhs and Hindus were asked by the Taliban, who ruled that time, to wear yellow armbands, but following much outcry globally, it was not implemented. Also, people from these groups are unable to get backs their homes which were illegally captured years ago. Hindu temples were also demolished during brutal clashes from 1992-96. "Suffering big fatalities for a small community is not tolerable," said Charan Singh Khalsa, a leader of the Sikh community, who lives abroad and refused to name the country where he currently stays over a threat to his safety. Charan, who fled the country two years ago after his brother was kidnapped and killed, said the last three years have been the worst for Afghans, specifically for Sikhs and Hindus.

Why Afghanistan is seeing exodus of Sikhs, Hindus

An influential American congressman has praised India for giving refugee status to Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and urged the Trump administration to do the same for the persecuted religious minorities from the war-torn country.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that there has been a recent spurt of attacks on Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan by terrorists at the behest of their "external supporters" and India has been providing necessary visas to members of these communities who want to come.

"We have been receiving requests from the members of these communities. They want to move to India, they want to settle down here, and despite the ongoing COVID situation, we are facilitating these requests," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

He said once those who want to come and settle in India arrive in the country, their requests will be examined and acted upon based on existing rules and policies.

Responding to India's move, Congressman Jim Costa said in a tweet, "This marks an important step toward protecting Afghanistan's Sikh and Hindu communities from imminent destruction at the hands of terrorists."

"While I'm pleased that India has offered them refuge, more needs to be done to ensure their safety in the long term. I will continue to advocate for more permanent solutions that will provide these families with security, economic stability, and a brighter future," Mr Costa said as he referred to a news story from The New York Times.

In April the lawmaker had written a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seeking similar refugee status for Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan.

"In April, I wrote to Secretary of State Pompeo urging him to provide help to these families and consideration for potential resettlement in the US," Mr Costa tweeted.

In its news story, The New York Times reported the statement of Ministry of External Affairs that India has decided to facilitate the return to India of Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members facing security threats in Afghanistan.

According to the daily, the Hindu and Sikh communities in Afghanistan once numbered in the tens, if not the hundreds, of thousands, with well-established businesses and high-ranking positions in the government. But nearly all have fled to India, Europe, or North America over decades of war and persecution.

Last month, a bipartisan group of 20 US senators urged the Trump administration to grant emergency refugee protection to Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan facing persecution as religious minorities.

"Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan face an existential threat from ISIS-K because of their religion. To protect religious freedom, we urgently ask that you take these essential steps to defend these threatened religious minorities," they said in the letter.

The Sikhs and Hindus once numbered around 250,000, but now fewer than 1,000 people live in Afghanistan due to decades of persecution, they added, the senators wrote.

A heavily armed ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) suicide bomber attacked a gurdwara in the heart of Afghanistan's capital on March 25, killing 25 Sikhs and injuring eight others.

An influential American congressman has praised India for giving refugee status to Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and urged the Trump administration to do the same for the persecuted religious minorities from the war-torn country.

An influential American congressman has praised India for giving refugee status to Sikhs and Hindus from Afghanistan and urged the Trump administration to do the same for the persecuted religious minorities from the war-torn country. The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that there has been a recent spurt of attacks on Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan by terrorists at the behest of their "external supporters" and India has been providing necessary visas to members of these communities who want to come. "We have been receiving requests from the members of these communities. They want to move to India, they want to settle down here, and despite the ongoing COVID situation, we are facilitating these requests," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. He said once those who want to come and settle in India arrive in the country, their requests will be examined and acted upon based on existing rules and policies. Responding to India's move, Congressman Jim Costa said in a tweet, "This marks an important step toward protecting Afghanistan's Sikh and Hindu communities from imminent destruction at the hands of terrorists." "While I'm pleased that India has offered them refuge, more needs to be done to ensure their safety in the long term. I will continue to advocate for more permanent solutions that will provide these families with security, economic stability, and a brighter future," Mr Costa said as he referred to a news story from The New York Times. In April the lawmaker had written a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo seeking similar refugee status for Hindus and Sikhs from Afghanistan. "In April, I wrote to Secretary of State Pompeo urging him to provide help to these families and consideration for potential resettlement in the US," Mr Costa tweeted. In its news story, The New York Times reported the statement of Ministry of External Affairs that India has decided to facilitate the return to India of Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members facing security threats in Afghanistan. According to the daily, the Hindu and Sikh communities in Afghanistan once numbered in the tens, if not the hundreds, of thousands, with well-established businesses and high-ranking positions in the government. But nearly all have fled to India, Europe, or North America over decades of war and persecution. Last month, a bipartisan group of 20 US senators urged the Trump administration to grant emergency refugee protection to Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan facing persecution as religious minorities. "Sikh and Hindu communities in Afghanistan face an existential threat from ISIS-K because of their religion. To protect religious freedom, we urgently ask that you take these essential steps to defend these threatened religious minorities," they said in the letter. The Sikhs and Hindus once numbered around 250,000, but now fewer than 1,000 people live in Afghanistan due to decades of persecution, they added, the senators wrote. A heavily armed ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) suicide bomber attacked a gurdwara in the heart of Afghanistan's capital on March 25, killing 25 Sikhs and injuring eight others.

Like India, US congressman seeks refugee status for Afghan Sikhs, Hindus

The Wuhan virus lockdown has unlocked a battle for viewership and in the fray are two international superhits, Israel's 'Fauda' vs Turkey's 'Ertugrul'.

It's not just a content war, but also a socio-cultural war. In 'Fauda', an Israeli undercover unit hunts down Palestinian terrorists. The show is immensely popular among the right-wing Indians. They see the Israeli spy thriller as a playbook that India can use to fight Islamic terrorism.

On the other end of the spectrum is 'Dirilis Ertugrul' which is a historical Turkish drama that tells the story of Ertugrul, the father of Osman - the founder of the ottoman empire. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kashmiri-parents-name-newborns-after-popular-turkish-series-ertugrul-that-fans-compare-to-got-302958">Also Read: Kashmiri parents name newborns after popular Turkish series 'Ertugrul'&nbsp;</a>

It is Turkey's 'Game of Thrones' which portrays Muslims as heroes and victors and goes against the modern cinematic representation of Islamic terrorism.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-fauda-vs-ertugrul-the-cultural-war-313325/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

For an entire generation of Muslim youth, the show has redefined their identity. Now, the influence of 'Fauda' and 'Ertugrul' is far-reaching. For many Muslim families, watching 'Ertugrul together has become an evening ritual'.

Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan says that the show will make the youth learn about Islamic history and ethics. He got the show dubbed in Urdu and broadcast it across Pakistan. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/popular-turkish-tv-drama-ertugrul-gazi-inspires-statues-in-pakistan-308431">Also Read: Popular Turkish TV drama Ertugrul Gazi inspires statues in Pakistan</a>

Indian fans have been promised an adaptation by the end of the year which is likely to be based on Indian operations against militants in Kashmir.

Both the shows have been called soft bombs for presenting one side of the story - 'Ertugrul gives a voice to Muslims while 'Fauda' gives a cause to Hindus.

The Wuhan virus lockdown has unlocked a battle for viewership and in the fray are two international superhits, Israel's 'Fauda' vs Turkey's 'Ertugrul'. It's not just a content war, but also a socio-cultural war.

The Wuhan virus lockdown has unlocked a battle for viewership and in the fray are two international superhits, Israel's 'Fauda' vs Turkey's 'Ertugrul'. It's not just a content war, but also a socio-cultural war. In 'Fauda', an Israeli undercover unit hunts down Palestinian terrorists. The show is immensely popular among the right-wing Indians. They see the Israeli spy thriller as a playbook that India can use to fight Islamic terrorism. On the other end of the spectrum is 'Dirilis Ertugrul' which is a historical Turkish drama that tells the story of Ertugrul, the father of Osman - the founder of the ottoman empire. Also Read: Kashmiri parents name newborns after popular Turkish series 'Ertugrul' It is Turkey's 'Game of Thrones' which portrays Muslims as heroes and victors and goes against the modern cinematic representation of Islamic terrorism. For an entire generation of Muslim youth, the show has redefined their identity. Now, the influence of 'Fauda' and 'Ertugrul' is far-reaching. For many Muslim families, watching 'Ertugrul together has become an evening ritual'. Pakistan's prime minister Imran Khan says that the show will make the youth learn about Islamic history and ethics. He got the show dubbed in Urdu and broadcast it across Pakistan. Also Read: Popular Turkish TV drama Ertugrul Gazi inspires statues in Pakistan Indian fans have been promised an adaptation by the end of the year which is likely to be based on Indian operations against militants in Kashmir. Both the shows have been called soft bombs for presenting one side of the story - 'Ertugrul gives a voice to Muslims while 'Fauda' gives a cause to Hindus.

'Ertugrul' vs 'Fauda': A socio-cultural war is on amid coronavirus crisis

Terming as "reprehensible" the reports of food being denied to Hindu and Christian communities in Pakistan amidst the coronavirus crisis, a US government organisation has urged Islamabad to ensure that food aid from distributing organisations is shared equally with all religious minorities in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/covid-19-cases-in-afghanistan-surge-to-714-imf-gives-debt-relief-292444" hreflang="en">Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan surge to 714, IMF gives debt relief</a>

"As COVID-19 continues to spread, vulnerable communities within Pakistan are fighting hunger and to keep their families safe and healthy, food aid must not be denied because of one's faith," the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner, Anurima Bhargava, said here on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reports-5478-coronavirus-cases-punjab-region-worst-hit-292278">Pakistan reports 5,478 coronavirus cases; Punjab region worst-hit</a>

The USCIRF said it is "troubled" by the reports of food being denied to Hindu and Christian communities in Pakistan amidst the coronavirus outbreak in the country.

"These actions are simply reprehensible," Bhargava said.

"We urge the Pakistani government to ensure that food aid from distributing organisations is shared equally with Hindus, Christians, and other religions minorities," she said.

In Karachi, there have been reports that the Saylani Welfare International Trust, a non-government organisation established to assist the homeless and seasonal workers, has been refusing food assistance to Hindus and Christians, arguing that the aid is reserved for Muslims alone.

USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie Moore said that in a recent address to the international community, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has noted that the governments in the developing world are facing the challenge of saving people from dying of hunger, while also trying to halt the spread of COVID-19.

"This is a monumental task laying before many countries. Prime Minister Khan's government has the opportunity to lead the way, but they must not leave religious minorities behind. Otherwise, they may add on top of it all one more crisis, created by religious discrimination and inter-communal strife," Moore said.

In its 2019 Annual Report, the USCIRF has noted that Hindus and Christians in Pakistan "face continued threats to their security and are subject to various forms of harassment and social exclusion".

Terming as "reprehensible" the reports of food being denied to Hindu and Christian communities in Pakistan amidst the coronavirus crisis, a US government organisation has urged Islamabad to ensure that food aid from distributing organisations is shared equally with all religious minorities in the country.

Terming as "reprehensible" the reports of food being denied to Hindu and Christian communities in Pakistan amidst the coronavirus crisis, a US government organisation has urged Islamabad to ensure that food aid from distributing organisations is shared equally with all religious minorities in the country. Also read: Covid-19 cases in Afghanistan surge to 714, IMF gives debt relief "As COVID-19 continues to spread, vulnerable communities within Pakistan are fighting hunger and to keep their families safe and healthy, food aid must not be denied because of one's faith," the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Commissioner, Anurima Bhargava, said here on Monday. Also read: Pakistan reports 5,478 coronavirus cases; Punjab region worst-hit The USCIRF said it is "troubled" by the reports of food being denied to Hindu and Christian communities in Pakistan amidst the coronavirus outbreak in the country. "These actions are simply reprehensible," Bhargava said. "We urge the Pakistani government to ensure that food aid from distributing organisations is shared equally with Hindus, Christians, and other religions minorities," she said. In Karachi, there have been reports that the Saylani Welfare International Trust, a non-government organisation established to assist the homeless and seasonal workers, has been refusing food assistance to Hindus and Christians, arguing that the aid is reserved for Muslims alone. USCIRF Commissioner Johnnie Moore said that in a recent address to the international community, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has noted that the governments in the developing world are facing the challenge of saving people from dying of hunger, while also trying to halt the spread of COVID-19. "This is a monumental task laying before many countries. Prime Minister Khan's government has the opportunity to lead the way, but they must not leave religious minorities behind. Otherwise, they may add on top of it all one more crisis, created by religious discrimination and inter-communal strife," Moore said. In its 2019 Annual Report, the USCIRF has noted that Hindus and Christians in Pakistan "face continued threats to their security and are subject to various forms of harassment and social exclusion".

Denial of food to Hindus, Christians in Pakistan 'reprehensible': US govt

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities. The poor have been hard hit and at such harsh times, thousands of poor people in Karachi were denied food supplies and daily essentials, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Hindus, who gathered at Rehrri Ghoth in Karachi, were asked to return by the officials, saying that the rations were only meant for Muslims.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-way-to-curb-coronavirus-harass-its-own-citizens-and-put-them-in-jail-289443">Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail</a>

Karachi is the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province, which is the second-worst hit region in terms of the number of COVID-19 positive cases, over 500.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-virus-continues-to-spread-in-pakistan-as-1625-cases-reported-289435">Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported</a>

Earlier, the Sindh government ordered the local NGOs and administration to distribute the ration to daily wage workers and labourers. The distribution of the essentials was carried out by local and district governments.&nbsp;

The refusal of essentials to Hindus was seen in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.&nbsp;

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist warned of a serious food crisis being faced by minorities and urged the Indian government to send supplies to Sindh via Rajasthan.&nbsp;

He also appealed to the Indian PM Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to address a potential humanitarian crisis in the province.&nbsp;

As many as 21 people have died from coronavirus in Pakistan and&nbsp;1,664 are infected, Dawn reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities.

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities. The poor have been hard hit and at such harsh times, thousands of poor people in Karachi were denied food supplies and daily essentials, news agency ANI reported. Hindus, who gathered at Rehrri Ghoth in Karachi, were asked to return by the officials, saying that the rations were only meant for Muslims. Also read | Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail Karachi is the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province, which is the second-worst hit region in terms of the number of COVID-19 positive cases, over 500. Also read | Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported Earlier, the Sindh government ordered the local NGOs and administration to distribute the ration to daily wage workers and labourers. The distribution of the essentials was carried out by local and district governments. The refusal of essentials to Hindus was seen in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist warned of a serious food crisis being faced by minorities and urged the Indian government to send supplies to Sindh via Rajasthan. He also appealed to the Indian PM Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to address a potential humanitarian crisis in the province. As many as 21 people have died from coronavirus in Pakistan and 1,664 are infected, Dawn reported.

Coronavirus: Hindus denied essential supplies in Pakistan's Karachi

Religion is a personal belief and whether to convert to a different faith or not is an individual's choice, the Delhi High Court said on Friday while declining to entertain a plea for stopping or regulating religious conversions.

A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar asked the petitioner, a lawyer, to withdraw the petition as it did not want to reject it.

"Why don't you withdraw it? Why should we reject it," the court said.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-seeks-centre-delhi-government-stand-for-adequate-measures-to-combat-coronavirus-285576">Delhi High Court seeks Centre, Delhi government stand for adequate measures to combat coronavirus</a>

Subsequently, the petitioner BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay sought permission to withdraw the matter and the bench allowed him to do so.

When the petition came up for hearing, the court said, professing a religion was a matter of personal belief and whether to convert to a different religion was an individual's choice.

"Tell us how can we regulate it? What will we regulate? If someone is threatening someone or intimidating someone, it is an offence under the Indian Penal Code," the bench said and added there was no reason for an individual to succumb to threats, intimidation or allurement to convert to a different faith.

Read More:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/very-unfortunate-delhi-high-court-expresses-concern-over-ib-officer-ankit-sharmas-death-in-violence-282886"> 'Very unfortunate': Delhi High Court expresses concern over IB officer Ankit Sharma's death in violence</a>

Upadhyay, in his plea, had contended that many individuals, NGOs and institutions are converting downtrodden persons, particularly of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community, by "intimidating, threatening, luring by monetary benefits and by other acts, including miracle healing, black magic and more".

"Many individuals/organisations have started conversions of SC/STs in rural areas and the situation is very alarming. The mass religious conversion of the socially economically downtrodden men, women and children, and, in particular of the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe community, is on the rise in the last 20 years," the petition had claimed.

It had also claimed that as per the 2011 census, Hindus constitute 79 per cent of the population down from 86 per cent in 2001 and if no action is taken "Hindus will become minority in India".

Upadhyay had suggested enacting of a law to prevent conversions by force or deceit and to award jail term for any violation.

Religion is a personal belief and whether to convert to a different faith or not is an individual's choice, the Delhi High Court said on Friday while declining to entertain a plea for stopping or regulating religious conversions.

Religion is a personal belief and whether to convert to a different faith or not is an individual's choice, the Delhi High Court said on Friday while declining to entertain a plea for stopping or regulating religious conversions. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar asked the petitioner, a lawyer, to withdraw the petition as it did not want to reject it. "Why don't you withdraw it? Why should we reject it," the court said. Also Read: Delhi High Court seeks Centre, Delhi government stand for adequate measures to combat coronavirus Subsequently, the petitioner BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay sought permission to withdraw the matter and the bench allowed him to do so. When the petition came up for hearing, the court said, professing a religion was a matter of personal belief and whether to convert to a different religion was an individual's choice. "Tell us how can we regulate it? What will we regulate? If someone is threatening someone or intimidating someone, it is an offence under the Indian Penal Code," the bench said and added there was no reason for an individual to succumb to threats, intimidation or allurement to convert to a different faith. Read More: 'Very unfortunate': Delhi High Court expresses concern over IB officer Ankit Sharma's death in violence Upadhyay, in his plea, had contended that many individuals, NGOs and institutions are converting downtrodden persons, particularly of the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe community, by "intimidating, threatening, luring by monetary benefits and by other acts, including miracle healing, black magic and more". "Many individuals/organisations have started conversions of SC/STs in rural areas and the situation is very alarming. The mass religious conversion of the socially economically downtrodden men, women and children, and, in particular of the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe community, is on the rise in the last 20 years," the petition had claimed. It had also claimed that as per the 2011 census, Hindus constitute 79 per cent of the population down from 86 per cent in 2001 and if no action is taken "Hindus will become minority in India". Upadhyay had suggested enacting of a law to prevent conversions by force or deceit and to award jail term for any violation.

Delhi High Court declines to accept plea against religious conversion

The Citizenship Amendment Bill cannot be seen in isolation of current political developments. In the true sense of the word, it reflects a battle of ideology. One side of the spectrum lies between BJP-RSS, and on the other, Congress and other regional parties.&nbsp;

I’m not going to hold any one party on a pedestal but the decision to allow non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan will definitely create a different template for the country. BJP’s idea of nation is derived from culture and that too from ancient India. BJP gives primacy to cultural nationalism. Even before BJP's inception, RSS and erstwhile Jan Sangh focused on India as a place for those who believed that India is a motherland. It is a mix modern concept of the nation with civilization. It is for this reason that Akhand Bharat’s picture still dawns the offices of RSS. RSS leaders continue to refer to India as a young country but an old nation.&nbsp;

The current bill from the perspective of RSS finishes the unresolved business of partition and presents&nbsp;India as a country where Hindus can take refugee without question. The bill also includes five other religions including Christianity. The bill strengthens the argument of cultural nationalism as the cornerstone of Indian nationalism. The issue may be new but it is essentially an old debate.

The idea of secularism remains unfinished business in India. Immediately after independence, India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru developed great reservation on Congress leaders participating in the reconstruction of Somnath temple in Gujarat. Despite his resistance, Congress leaders like Sardal Patel and K M Munshi went ahead and organised funds for its renovation. This debate of the relationship of state with religion did not stem from Jawahar and Patel. It basically stemmed from the pool of leaders who played an important part in framing the Constitution. There was no consensus on the words like secularism and socialism in the Constituent Assembly. 
 
It is for this reason that in the original Constitution, secularism and socialism as words do not exist in the Indian preamble.&nbsp;

Former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, without debate or consultation, added secularism and socialism in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. She thought that the addition would end the debate on the character of the nation. It did not. The act itself was undemocratic. The words exist in the Constitution but lack consensus in the society. It is for this reason that debate continues to fester and gets reflected in multiple legislations and social-political actions of various parties. It was for this reason the word pseudo-secularism was born in the 1980s. &nbsp;

As mentioned, despite the insertion of the two words secular and socialism, social consensus does not exist in society. India continues to be deeply religious in nature with state actively using symbols of Sanatan Dharma in statecraft and economy-wise we are closer to capitalism than the socialism of Soviet Russia. We today have a capitalist economy with a huge welfare budget.

Even in the absence of the word secular and socialism, the Indian state under the original Constitution took care of minorities. CAB reflects a different political argument. It argues that since partition took place on the basis of religion, the Hindu self-expression cannot be sacrificed as the alter of the western concept of secularism.&nbsp;

Constitutions across the world reflect long-lasting principles of Liberal politics apart from unique social and political origins. They are also a dossier on social and political consensus. Islamic states across the world are the sole exception in this case. In Islamic states, the will of majority becomes a rule for the minority both in social action and through law. The best case in example is Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The amendment of the Citizenship Bill is part and parcel of the unfinished agenda of what Indian state should be.

It is for this reason, Citizenship Bill should not be seen from the prism of electoral politics. It should be seen from the prism of what defines nationhood. Whether you agree or disagree, RSS has a strong world view which is being implemented through the present government.&nbsp;

The abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir is one such example. The Indian Constitution is unlikely to be changed substantially. What eventually may happen is that the primacy of Hinduism in public life will become a reality. The first act of consolidation took place after the Ayodhya verdict where Hindu sentiments on what constitutes geographical sacredness were acknowledged by the Court.

CAB will be second such event if passed by the Parliament. India will not become a Hindu Rashtra with this amendment, but it will definitely change the rules of the game.&nbsp;

The nation will come closer to the cultural idea of India as the motherland of all Hindus.&nbsp;

Lastly, those in Opposition are also failing to realise how liberal democracies failed to address the issue of immigration and change in power equation which is also central to the idea of NRC and CAB. If implemented fully, it will test the ability of Opposition to take on BJP nationally as the idea of Hinduism as one religion and not an amalgamation of sub-nationalism is growing stronger by the day.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Citizenship Amendment Bill cannot be seen in isolation of current political developments. In the true sense of the word, it reflects a battle of ideology. One side of the spectrum lies between BJP-RSS, and on the other, Congress and other regional parties.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill cannot be seen in isolation of current political developments. In the true sense of the word, it reflects a battle of ideology. One side of the spectrum lies between BJP-RSS, and on the other, Congress and other regional parties. I’m not going to hold any one party on a pedestal but the decision to allow non-Muslim refugees from Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Pakistan will definitely create a different template for the country. BJP’s idea of nation is derived from culture and that too from ancient India. BJP gives primacy to cultural nationalism. Even before BJP's inception, RSS and erstwhile Jan Sangh focused on India as a place for those who believed that India is a motherland. It is a mix modern concept of the nation with civilization. It is for this reason that Akhand Bharat’s picture still dawns the offices of RSS. RSS leaders continue to refer to India as a young country but an old nation. The current bill from the perspective of RSS finishes the unresolved business of partition and presents India as a country where Hindus can take refugee without question. The bill also includes five other religions including Christianity. The bill strengthens the argument of cultural nationalism as the cornerstone of Indian nationalism. The issue may be new but it is essentially an old debate. The idea of secularism remains unfinished business in India. Immediately after independence, India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru developed great reservation on Congress leaders participating in the reconstruction of Somnath temple in Gujarat. Despite his resistance, Congress leaders like Sardal Patel and K M Munshi went ahead and organised funds for its renovation. This debate of the relationship of state with religion did not stem from Jawahar and Patel. It basically stemmed from the pool of leaders who played an important part in framing the Constitution. There was no consensus on the words like secularism and socialism in the Constituent Assembly. It is for this reason that in the original Constitution, secularism and socialism as words do not exist in the Indian preamble. Former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, without debate or consultation, added secularism and socialism in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. She thought that the addition would end the debate on the character of the nation. It did not. The act itself was undemocratic. The words exist in the Constitution but lack consensus in the society. It is for this reason that debate continues to fester and gets reflected in multiple legislations and social-political actions of various parties. It was for this reason the word pseudo-secularism was born in the 1980s. As mentioned, despite the insertion of the two words secular and socialism, social consensus does not exist in society. India continues to be deeply religious in nature with state actively using symbols of Sanatan Dharma in statecraft and economy-wise we are closer to capitalism than the socialism of Soviet Russia. We today have a capitalist economy with a huge welfare budget. Even in the absence of the word secular and socialism, the Indian state under the original Constitution took care of minorities. CAB reflects a different political argument. It argues that since partition took place on the basis of religion, the Hindu self-expression cannot be sacrificed as the alter of the western concept of secularism. Constitutions across the world reflect long-lasting principles of Liberal politics apart from unique social and political origins. They are also a dossier on social and political consensus. Islamic states across the world are the sole exception in this case. In Islamic states, the will of majority becomes a rule for the minority both in social action and through law. The best case in example is Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The amendment of the Citizenship Bill is part and parcel of the unfinished agenda of what Indian state should be. It is for this reason, Citizenship Bill should not be seen from the prism of electoral politics. It should be seen from the prism of what defines nationhood. Whether you agree or disagree, RSS has a strong world view which is being implemented through the present government. The abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir is one such example. The Indian Constitution is unlikely to be changed substantially. What eventually may happen is that the primacy of Hinduism in public life will become a reality. The first act of consolidation took place after the Ayodhya verdict where Hindu sentiments on what constitutes geographical sacredness were acknowledged by the Court. CAB will be second such event if passed by the Parliament. India will not become a Hindu Rashtra with this amendment, but it will definitely change the rules of the game. The nation will come closer to the cultural idea of India as the motherland of all Hindus. Lastly, those in Opposition are also failing to realise how liberal democracies failed to address the issue of immigration and change in power equation which is also central to the idea of NRC and CAB. If implemented fully, it will test the ability of Opposition to take on BJP nationally as the idea of Hinduism as one religion and not an amalgamation of sub-nationalism is growing stronger by the day. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Citizenship Amendment Bill: Secularism, unfinished business in India

In Pakistan, Hindus are in minority as low as 1.6% of the entire population. But, this doesn't stop the Hindus from celebrating the festival. Even Hindu-Muslims celebrated Diwali together in Lahore, Karachi and other states of Pakistan.

Pakistan: Hindu minority celebrated Diwali in Lahore and Karachi

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country.

Baldev Kumar also stated that even Muslims in Pakistan are not as safe as life in the country is full of difficulties.

"Not only minorities but even Muslims are not safe there (Pakistan). We are surviving in Pakistan with a lot of difficulties. I request the Indian government to give me asylum here. I will not go back," Baldev Kumar told ANI.

Baldev's admission once again exposed Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities.

A former PTI MLA from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) assembly, Baldev is in India along with his family to seek political asylum.

Baldev, 43, no longer wants to return to Pakistan and has alleged that minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, are being prosecuted in Pakistan.

"The Indian government should announce a package so that the Hindu and Sikh families staying in Pakistan can come here. I want Modi Sahab to do something for them. They are tortured there," he requested.

In 2016, a sitting MLA from his constituency was assassinated.

Baldev was charged with a false murder case and acquitted in 2018, adding to a number of false cases that minority members are framed in by cash-strapped Islamabad.

In Pakistan, incidents, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, are reported regularly.

The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example.

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country.

A former MLA from Imran Khan's PTI, who is seeking political asylum in India over atrocities on minorities in Pakistan, on Tuesday asserted that Hindus and Sikhs are being "tortured" in the neighbouring country. Baldev Kumar also stated that even Muslims in Pakistan are not as safe as life in the country is full of difficulties. "Not only minorities but even Muslims are not safe there (Pakistan). We are surviving in Pakistan with a lot of difficulties. I request the Indian government to give me asylum here. I will not go back," Baldev Kumar told ANI. Baldev's admission once again exposed Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities. A former PTI MLA from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) assembly, Baldev is in India along with his family to seek political asylum. Baldev, 43, no longer wants to return to Pakistan and has alleged that minorities, including Hindus and Sikhs, are being prosecuted in Pakistan. "The Indian government should announce a package so that the Hindu and Sikh families staying in Pakistan can come here. I want Modi Sahab to do something for them. They are tortured there," he requested. In 2016, a sitting MLA from his constituency was assassinated. Baldev was charged with a false murder case and acquitted in 2018, adding to a number of false cases that minority members are framed in by cash-strapped Islamabad. In Pakistan, incidents, where Hindu, Sikh and Christian girls are forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men, are reported regularly. The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example.

Hindus, Sikhs tortured in Pakistan, says ex-PTI MLA; seeks asylum in India

Pak foreign ministry submits proposal for opening Sharada Peeth

Members representing minorities at a provincial legislature in northwest Pakistan Tuesday walked out of the assembly session to protest against anti-Hindu remarks by a lawmaker in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, that has led to the escalation of tensions with India.

Remarks by Sher Azam Wazir, the member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, against India and Hindus in Pakistan irritated lawmaker Ravi Kumar.

Kumar said though India is hostile towards Pakistan but not the Hindu community of Pakistan.

Wazir later apologised over his remarks and clarified that he meant to say that India is enemy of Pakistan not the Hindu community of Pakistan.

Speaker Mushtaq Ghani expunged remarks of Sher Azam Wazir from the assembly proceedings.&nbsp;

There are three minority members in the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the February 14 Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.&nbsp;

Members representing minorities at a provincial legislature in northwest Pakistan Tuesday walked out of the assembly session to protest against anti-Hindu remarks by a lawmaker in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, that has led to the escalation of tensions with India.

Members representing minorities at a provincial legislature in northwest Pakistan Tuesday walked out of the assembly session to protest against anti-Hindu remarks by a lawmaker in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack, that has led to the escalation of tensions with India. Remarks by Sher Azam Wazir, the member of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, against India and Hindus in Pakistan irritated lawmaker Ravi Kumar. Kumar said though India is hostile towards Pakistan but not the Hindu community of Pakistan. Wazir later apologised over his remarks and clarified that he meant to say that India is enemy of Pakistan not the Hindu community of Pakistan. Speaker Mushtaq Ghani expunged remarks of Sher Azam Wazir from the assembly proceedings. There are three minority members in the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Tensions escalated between India and Pakistan following the February 14 Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead.

Pakistan: Minority members stage walkout after anti-Hindu remarks by Pak lawmaker

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.&nbsp;

A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Rio, on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said Sunday.

The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland.&nbsp;

It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides.

The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states.

The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected.

The Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly.

The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill, the release said.

The letter says the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides, it said.

The citizenship bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, saying the citizenship bill is not applicable to the state as it is protected under Article 371 (A) of the Constitution. A Cabinet meeting, chaired by Rio, on Friday asserted that the state is protected under provisions of Article 371 (A) and the Inner Line Permit (ILP) as per Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, (BEFR) of 1873, a release issued by the Chief Minister's Office said Sunday. The article deals with special provisions with respect to Nagaland. It states that no act of Parliament with respect to religious or social practices of the Nagas, Naga customary law and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary law, ownership and transfer of land and its resources, shall apply to the state unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides. The Cabinet deliberated on the matter in view of the citizenship bill being passed by the Lok Sabha on January 8 and its consequent impact on Nagaland and other north-eastern states. The state Cabinet, during the meeting, also decided to appeal to the Centre to have wider consultations with all north-eastern states to ensure that rights of indigenous people are fully protected. The Cabinet decided to re-affirm all provisions of Article 371 (A) and to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as per BEFR of 1873 that will also be taken up in the next session of the state assembly. The release stated that as per the Cabinet decision, the chief minister has also written a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, conveying the concern and apprehension of the people of Nagaland regarding the bill, the release said. The letter says the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, even if enacted, will not be applicable to Nagaland in view of the Article 371 (A) that guarantees the Nagas their way of life un-interfered by any Parliamentary enactment, unless the Legislative Assembly by a resolution so decides, it said. The citizenship bill provides for according Indian citizenship to the Hindus, Jains, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after six years of residence in India, instead of 12 years currently, even if they do not possess any document.

Citizenship bill not applicable to Nagaland as state protected under Article 371(A): CM to Rajnath Singh

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday as she accused the party of "lying in the name of Hindu."

While addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief said: "In Assam, names of 40 lakh people were removed from voter lists, out of them 23 lakhs are Hindu Bengalis. People who are lying in the name of Hindu should know and keep this in mind."

On November 16, Mamata had urged the citizens of Assam to continue agitating against the draft list and extended support on behalf of the TMC to those who would oppose the draft.

"In NRC, genuine voters were taken out, Assamese, Biharis, Bengalis, and Biharis have been forcefully removed. Just imagine that your mother`s name is there, but your father`s name is not there. Your son`s name is mentioned, but there is no mention of your daughter. I urge that there should be no divisions over this," she had said.

Furthermore, Mamata had alleged that the BJP was a "history changer, name changer, note changer, and institution changer, but not game changer", due to which, "the country is in danger."

Banerjee also said that all the opposition parties would come together to dethrone the BJP in the upcoming general elections.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday as she accused the party of "lying in the name of Hindu.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday as she accused the party of "lying in the name of Hindu." While addressing a gathering in Purba Medinipur, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief said: "In Assam, names of 40 lakh people were removed from voter lists, out of them 23 lakhs are Hindu Bengalis. People who are lying in the name of Hindu should know and keep this in mind." On November 16, Mamata had urged the citizens of Assam to continue agitating against the draft list and extended support on behalf of the TMC to those who would oppose the draft. "In NRC, genuine voters were taken out, Assamese, Biharis, Bengalis, and Biharis have been forcefully removed. Just imagine that your mother`s name is there, but your father`s name is not there. Your son`s name is mentioned, but there is no mention of your daughter. I urge that there should be no divisions over this," she had said. Furthermore, Mamata had alleged that the BJP was a "history changer, name changer, note changer, and institution changer, but not game changer", due to which, "the country is in danger." Banerjee also said that all the opposition parties would come together to dethrone the BJP in the upcoming general elections.

In a veiled reference, Mamata accuses BJP of 'lying in the name of Hindus'

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu".

Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, made the comments at an event in Chennai on Sunday.

"As a Hindu, obviously, I am conscious that a vast majority of my fellow Hindus believe that that was the specific birthplace of Ram.

"For this reason, most good Hindus would want to see a Ram temple at the site where Ram was supposed to be born. But I also believe that no good Hindu would have wanted that a temple be built by demolishing somebody else's place of worship," he said.

The BJP hit back at Tharoor over his remarks, with the party's national spokesman Sambit Patra saying they "exposed" the real face of Rahul Gandhi.

"Rahul Gandhi's real face stands exposed," Patra told a tv news channel, criticising Tharoor's comments. He made a reference to the Congress president's frequent visits to temples in election-bound states.

He said while Gandhi "does fancy dress shows" by visiting Hindu temples, a leader of his party makes such comments.

"These remarks completely expose the Congress....Rahul Gandhi. They are anti-Hindu," he said.

Tharoor insisted his comments were personal and not those of his party. His remarks, Tharoor insisted, were distorted out of malice.

"I was asked for my personal opinion at a literary festival &amp; gave it as such. I am not a Spokesperson for my party &amp; did not claim to be speaking for @incindia," he tweeted.

"I condemn the malicious distortion of my words by some media in the service of political masters. I said: most Hindus would want a temple at what they believe to be Rams birthplace. But no good Hindu would want it to be built by destroying anothers place of worship."

Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Tharoor was trying to "arrogate" to himself spiritual powers and that he has his "lost balance".

"He is no authority on Hindu. He has led a life which has nothing to do with Hinduism. He is arrogating to himself spiritual powers or powers of religious authority. He has lost his balance," Swamy said.

Tharoor had sparked off a controversy in July with comments that if the BJP was voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a "Hindu Pakistan".

At an event in Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor said, "If they are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha then, frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand [it], will not survive... Because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one."

"And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan...And that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he noted.

The Congress had distanced itself from Tharoor's comments.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu".

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has kicked up a row with remarks that no "good" Hindu would favour a Ram temple in Ayodhya by demolishing somebody else's place of worship, drawing stinging criticism from the BJP which dubbed his party and its chief Rahul Gandhi "anti- Hindu". Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, made the comments at an event in Chennai on Sunday. "As a Hindu, obviously, I am conscious that a vast majority of my fellow Hindus believe that that was the specific birthplace of Ram. "For this reason, most good Hindus would want to see a Ram temple at the site where Ram was supposed to be born. But I also believe that no good Hindu would have wanted that a temple be built by demolishing somebody else's place of worship," he said. The BJP hit back at Tharoor over his remarks, with the party's national spokesman Sambit Patra saying they "exposed" the real face of Rahul Gandhi. "Rahul Gandhi's real face stands exposed," Patra told a tv news channel, criticising Tharoor's comments. He made a reference to the Congress president's frequent visits to temples in election-bound states. He said while Gandhi "does fancy dress shows" by visiting Hindu temples, a leader of his party makes such comments. "These remarks completely expose the Congress....Rahul Gandhi. They are anti-Hindu," he said. Tharoor insisted his comments were personal and not those of his party. His remarks, Tharoor insisted, were distorted out of malice. "I was asked for my personal opinion at a literary festival & gave it as such. I am not a Spokesperson for my party & did not claim to be speaking for @incindia," he tweeted. "I condemn the malicious distortion of my words by some media in the service of political masters. I said: most Hindus would want a temple at what they believe to be Rams birthplace. But no good Hindu would want it to be built by destroying anothers place of worship." Senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said Tharoor was trying to "arrogate" to himself spiritual powers and that he has his "lost balance". "He is no authority on Hindu. He has led a life which has nothing to do with Hinduism. He is arrogating to himself spiritual powers or powers of religious authority. He has lost his balance," Swamy said. Tharoor had sparked off a controversy in July with comments that if the BJP was voted to power again, it will rewrite the Constitution that will eventually create a "Hindu Pakistan". At an event in Thiruvanthapuram, Tharoor said, "If they are able to win a repeat of their current strength in the Lok Sabha then, frankly, our own democratic Constitution, as we understand [it], will not survive... Because then they will have all the three elements they need to tear up the Constitution of India and write a new one." "And that will enshrine the principle of Hindu Rashtra, that will remove equality for the minorities, and that will create a Hindu Pakistan...And that is not what Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and great heroes of freedom struggle fought for," he noted. The Congress had distanced itself from Tharoor's comments.

Good Hindus won't want temple by demolishing someone else's place of worship: Tharoor

Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has taken cognizance of alleged illegal encroachments of the properties of Hindus after a protesting woman professor appealed to him, saying the minority community was facing the "worst lawlessness and mismanagement" in the country.

Justice Nisar, known for his judicial activism, issued notices to federal and Sindh provincial authorities after watching a video message by retired professor Dr Bhagwan Devi.

His office said that he has decided to take up her plea and fixed October 18 for the hearing.

The court issued notices to the attorney general for Pakistan, advocate general of Sindh, secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, secretary of human rights, Sindh chief secretary, secretary of Minority Affairs Department, Sindh government and the Larkana district commissioner.

DawnNews TV reported that Devi, in the video, said that the Hindus of Sindh were facing "the worst lawlessness and mismanagement" in the country. 
"Situation similar to that of native Americans was being created for the local Hindus," she claimed.

Devi said that the land mafia was forcibly dispossessing Hindus of their properties in different parts of Sindh, especially Larkana which is the hometown of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

"Many Hindus of Larkana have sold their properties and are ready to leave (Pakistan), while many have already left," she claimed.

The professor had been protesting before the Larkana Press Club for the past 15 days with husband Bhagwan Das, a paediatrician and professor.

In her video, she appealed to the chief justice and the world to take notice of the plight of Hindus in Sindh.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has taken cognizance of alleged illegal encroachments of the properties of Hindus after a protesting woman professor appealed to him, saying the minority community was facing the "worst lawlessness and mismanagement" in the country.

Pakistan's Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has taken cognizance of alleged illegal encroachments of the properties of Hindus after a protesting woman professor appealed to him, saying the minority community was facing the "worst lawlessness and mismanagement" in the country. Justice Nisar, known for his judicial activism, issued notices to federal and Sindh provincial authorities after watching a video message by retired professor Dr Bhagwan Devi. His office said that he has decided to take up her plea and fixed October 18 for the hearing. The court issued notices to the attorney general for Pakistan, advocate general of Sindh, secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, secretary of human rights, Sindh chief secretary, secretary of Minority Affairs Department, Sindh government and the Larkana district commissioner. DawnNews TV reported that Devi, in the video, said that the Hindus of Sindh were facing "the worst lawlessness and mismanagement" in the country. "Situation similar to that of native Americans was being created for the local Hindus," she claimed. Devi said that the land mafia was forcibly dispossessing Hindus of their properties in different parts of Sindh, especially Larkana which is the hometown of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. "Many Hindus of Larkana have sold their properties and are ready to leave (Pakistan), while many have already left," she claimed. The professor had been protesting before the Larkana Press Club for the past 15 days with husband Bhagwan Das, a paediatrician and professor. In her video, she appealed to the chief justice and the world to take notice of the plight of Hindus in Sindh.

Illegal encroachments on Hindus' properties in Pak: Chief Justice takes note

The candidate selected by Britain's ruling Conservative Party to contest against London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the 2020 mayoral elections on Wednesday came under fire for the views he expressed 13 years ago about Hindus and Muslims.

Shaun Bailey had written a pamphlet for the Centre for Policy Studies back in 2005 in which he lamented Hindu and Muslim influences on the cultural landscape of Britain.

"You bring your children to school and they learn far more about Diwali than Christmas," he wrote in the pamphlet titled 'No Man's Land'.

Bailey, a member of the London Assembly, also seemed to be confused about the difference between Hindu with Hindi in the controversial document he had put together as a researcher with the London-based think tank.

"I speak to the people who are from Brent [north-west London] and they've been having Muslim and Hindi days off. What it does is rob Britain of its community. Without our community we slip into a crime-riddled cesspool," he wrote.

The central theme of the pamphlet seemed to reflect his views that Christianity was being sidelined in the UK as a result of multiculturalism.

"There are a lot of really good things about Britain as a place and British people as a body. But by removing the religion that British people generally take to, by removing the ethics that generally go with it, we've allowed people to come to Britain and bring their culture, their country and any problems they might have, with them," he wrote.

The MP, who is black, added: "Within the black community it is not such a bad thing because we've shared a religion and in many cases a language.

"It's far easier for black people to integrate. How we arrived here is different. If you talk to old black people, they will say they have been invited here by the Queen. They absolutely do not consider themselves refugees or immigrants."

The pamphlet has caused outrage among the Labour Party colleagues of Sadiq Khan, the first Asian of Pakistani-origin, with veteran Indian-origin MP Virendra Sharma calling on the Conservatives to withdraw Bailey's candidature for the 2020 local elections.

"It is appalling that in this day and age even the Tories can select a candidate for Mayor of London with views this outdated and objectionable.&nbsp; 
I don't see how Shaun Bailey can continue as candidate having written off the multiculturalism that makes London great," said Sharma, who is also co-chair of the Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

The senior politician questioned Baliey's ability to be an ambassador for a diverse city like London and travel to countries like India, Pakistan or Indonesia to boost business for the British capital.

"Bailey seems to believe that celebrating Hindu and Muslim culture will 'rob Britain of its community' and we will 'slip into a crime-riddled cesspool'. The messages of my faith Hinduism are of tolerance, compassion, honesty and self-restraint, lessons that Mr Bailey would do well to learn," he said.

The Tell MAMA [Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks] organisation, which records Islamophobic hate incidents in the UK, also attacked the mayoral hopeful.

"We do not tolerate such views about Muslim and Hindu communities. Nor do we tolerate any hatred or racism directed towards any other community. We will raise this further," Tell MAMA said in a statement.

A spokesperson for Bailey dismissed the attacks, saying the politician had worked with diverse communities for over 20 years and was in tune with the challenges faced by black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK.

"Whether it is working with one of London's biggest Muslim communities in North Kensington or helping young people from all communities to fulfil their potential, Shaun has always championed diverse communities.

"Shaun has made it his life's work to help those from migrant and disadvantaged communities, and to suggest otherwise is ludicrous," the spokesperson said.

The candidate selected by Britain's ruling Conservative Party to contest against London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the 2020 mayoral elections on Wednesday came under fire for the views he expressed 13 years ago about Hindus and Muslims.

The candidate selected by Britain's ruling Conservative Party to contest against London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the 2020 mayoral elections on Wednesday came under fire for the views he expressed 13 years ago about Hindus and Muslims. Shaun Bailey had written a pamphlet for the Centre for Policy Studies back in 2005 in which he lamented Hindu and Muslim influences on the cultural landscape of Britain. "You bring your children to school and they learn far more about Diwali than Christmas," he wrote in the pamphlet titled 'No Man's Land'. Bailey, a member of the London Assembly, also seemed to be confused about the difference between Hindu with Hindi in the controversial document he had put together as a researcher with the London-based think tank. "I speak to the people who are from Brent [north-west London] and they've been having Muslim and Hindi days off. What it does is rob Britain of its community. Without our community we slip into a crime-riddled cesspool," he wrote. The central theme of the pamphlet seemed to reflect his views that Christianity was being sidelined in the UK as a result of multiculturalism. "There are a lot of really good things about Britain as a place and British people as a body. But by removing the religion that British people generally take to, by removing the ethics that generally go with it, we've allowed people to come to Britain and bring their culture, their country and any problems they might have, with them," he wrote. The MP, who is black, added: "Within the black community it is not such a bad thing because we've shared a religion and in many cases a language. "It's far easier for black people to integrate. How we arrived here is different. If you talk to old black people, they will say they have been invited here by the Queen. They absolutely do not consider themselves refugees or immigrants." The pamphlet has caused outrage among the Labour Party colleagues of Sadiq Khan, the first Asian of Pakistani-origin, with veteran Indian-origin MP Virendra Sharma calling on the Conservatives to withdraw Bailey's candidature for the 2020 local elections. "It is appalling that in this day and age even the Tories can select a candidate for Mayor of London with views this outdated and objectionable. I don't see how Shaun Bailey can continue as candidate having written off the multiculturalism that makes London great," said Sharma, who is also co-chair of the Indo-British All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). The senior politician questioned Baliey's ability to be an ambassador for a diverse city like London and travel to countries like India, Pakistan or Indonesia to boost business for the British capital. "Bailey seems to believe that celebrating Hindu and Muslim culture will 'rob Britain of its community' and we will 'slip into a crime-riddled cesspool'. The messages of my faith Hinduism are of tolerance, compassion, honesty and self-restraint, lessons that Mr Bailey would do well to learn," he said. The Tell MAMA [Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks] organisation, which records Islamophobic hate incidents in the UK, also attacked the mayoral hopeful. "We do not tolerate such views about Muslim and Hindu communities. Nor do we tolerate any hatred or racism directed towards any other community. We will raise this further," Tell MAMA said in a statement. A spokesperson for Bailey dismissed the attacks, saying the politician had worked with diverse communities for over 20 years and was in tune with the challenges faced by black and minority ethnic (BAME) communities in the UK. "Whether it is working with one of London's biggest Muslim communities in North Kensington or helping young people from all communities to fulfil their potential, Shaun has always championed diverse communities. "Shaun has made it his life's work to help those from migrant and disadvantaged communities, and to suggest otherwise is ludicrous," the spokesperson said.

London mayoral candidate under fire for views on Hindus, Muslims

Religious minorities in Pakistan like Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmedis and Hazara continue to face violent attacks, a damning report by an independent watchdog Monday said and criticised the state for failing to tackle the issue of their persecution.

The Human Rights Commission at the launch of its annual report, State of Human Rights in 2017 dedicated to the late activist Asma Jahangir says people continue to disappear in Pakistan, sometimes because they criticise the country's powerful military or because they advocate better relations with neighbouring India.

Jahangir, who was fierce advocate of human rights died in February.

The commission also underscored the rising incidence of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and the extension of the jurisdiction of military courts.&nbsp

"False accusations of blasphemy and the ensuing violence, the number of children engaged in labour under hazardous conditions and unabated violence against women remain grim markers of the last year," the commission said.

"Deaths linked to terrorism may have decreased, but the soft targets' of religious minorities and law enforcement agencies continue to bear the brunt of violence," it said.&nbsp

Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions, and the blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence. The people's right to socio-cultural activities is curtailed by intolerance and extremism, and authorities are lenient for fear of a political backlash, it said.

The 296-page report said, "In a year when freedom of thought, conscience and religion continued to be stifled, incitement to hatred and bigotry increased, and tolerance receded even further, the state remained ineffective in tackling the issue of persecution of minorities and fell far short of its obligations.&nbsp

There was no abatement in violence against religious minorities, with Christians, Ahmedis, Hazaras, Hindus and Sikhs all coming under attack, it said.

"Little wonder that the numbers of religious minorities are shrinking. At the time of Independence, Pakistan's religious minority constituted over 20 per cent of the population. The 1998 census reported that the numbers had declined to a little over three per cent, it said. 
The report said the migration of Hindus to India "may soon turn into an exodus if the discrimination against them continues".&nbsp

While the recent census data has not yet been made public, it is expected that the numbers of religious minorities will show a further decline, the report said.

"Faith-based violence in the name of religion continues unabated and the government has failed miserably to protect minority members against attacks and discrimination. Extremist forces bent on creating an exclusive Islamic identity for Pakistan appear to have been given a free hand," the report said.&nbsp

"A few hundred fanatics held the capital and the garrison cities hostage for 23 days in Faizabad, Islamabad in November this year until their demands were accepted. In ceding to the demands of the violent demonstrators, the state has virtually given blanket licence to fundamentalism and militancy in the name of religion, it said.

With a population of around seven million, Hindus form the largest religious minority in Pakistan.&nbsp

"Concentrated mainly in Sindh, Hindus continue to live an uneasy existence. Their perceived association with India has made life for them tougher than other religious minorities in Pakistan. According to their representatives, the greatest issue of concern to the community is that of forced conversions, the majority of these involving young women, the report said.&nbsp

"In most cases the girls, many of whom are minors, are abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and then married to Muslim men, the report said.

Pakistan ranked fourth on the Christian support group Open Doors World Watch List 2017 of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, it said.

"Violent persecution of Christians is a common occurrence in Pakistan. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced conversions, and eviction from home and country. Fake cases under blasphemy laws are regularly used to terrorise Christians," it said.

Sikhs are a small religious minority in Pakistan. According to the last census, there are around 7,000 registered Sikhs living in Pakistan, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the semi-autonomous tribal region that shares a border with Afghanistan.&nbsp

"The Sikh leadership complains that rough and usually inaccurate estimates are made about their exact number. The Sikh community has also been subjected to continued discrimination and violence from extremists over the years because of their religious affiliation, but they are generally better treated by government agencies as compared to other religious minorities.&nbsp

Persecution of religious minorities and targeted sects within Islam force people like the Hazaras to seek asylum in European countries. A signicantly large number of Ahmadis has migrated to Europe and lives in exile, it said.

The Human Rights Commission at the launch of its annual report, State of Human Rights in 2017 dedicated to the late activist Asma Jahangir says people continue to disappear in Pakistan, sometimes because they criticise the country's powerful military or because they advocate better relations with neighbouring India

Religious minorities in Pakistan like Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmedis and Hazara continue to face violent attacks, a damning report by an independent watchdog Monday said and criticised the state for failing to tackle the issue of their persecution. The Human Rights Commission at the launch of its annual report, State of Human Rights in 2017 dedicated to the late activist Asma Jahangir says people continue to disappear in Pakistan, sometimes because they criticise the country's powerful military or because they advocate better relations with neighbouring India. Jahangir, who was fierce advocate of human rights died in February. The commission also underscored the rising incidence of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and the extension of the jurisdiction of military courts. "False accusations of blasphemy and the ensuing violence, the number of children engaged in labour under hazardous conditions and unabated violence against women remain grim markers of the last year," the commission said. "Deaths linked to terrorism may have decreased, but the soft targets' of religious minorities and law enforcement agencies continue to bear the brunt of violence," it said. Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions, and the blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence. The people's right to socio-cultural activities is curtailed by intolerance and extremism, and authorities are lenient for fear of a political backlash, it said. The 296-page report said, "In a year when freedom of thought, conscience and religion continued to be stifled, incitement to hatred and bigotry increased, and tolerance receded even further, the state remained ineffective in tackling the issue of persecution of minorities and fell far short of its obligations. There was no abatement in violence against religious minorities, with Christians, Ahmedis, Hazaras, Hindus and Sikhs all coming under attack, it said. "Little wonder that the numbers of religious minorities are shrinking. At the time of Independence, Pakistan's religious minority constituted over 20 per cent of the population. The 1998 census reported that the numbers had declined to a little over three per cent, it said. The report said the migration of Hindus to India "may soon turn into an exodus if the discrimination against them continues". While the recent census data has not yet been made public, it is expected that the numbers of religious minorities will show a further decline, the report said. "Faith-based violence in the name of religion continues unabated and the government has failed miserably to protect minority members against attacks and discrimination. Extremist forces bent on creating an exclusive Islamic identity for Pakistan appear to have been given a free hand," the report said. "A few hundred fanatics held the capital and the garrison cities hostage for 23 days in Faizabad, Islamabad in November this year until their demands were accepted. In ceding to the demands of the violent demonstrators, the state has virtually given blanket licence to fundamentalism and militancy in the name of religion, it said. With a population of around seven million, Hindus form the largest religious minority in Pakistan. "Concentrated mainly in Sindh, Hindus continue to live an uneasy existence. Their perceived association with India has made life for them tougher than other religious minorities in Pakistan. According to their representatives, the greatest issue of concern to the community is that of forced conversions, the majority of these involving young women, the report said. "In most cases the girls, many of whom are minors, are abducted, forcibly converted to Islam and then married to Muslim men, the report said. Pakistan ranked fourth on the Christian support group Open Doors World Watch List 2017 of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, it said. "Violent persecution of Christians is a common occurrence in Pakistan. Christians are targets for murder, bombings, abduction of women, rape, forced conversions, and eviction from home and country. Fake cases under blasphemy laws are regularly used to terrorise Christians," it said. Sikhs are a small religious minority in Pakistan. According to the last census, there are around 7,000 registered Sikhs living in Pakistan, mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, including the semi-autonomous tribal region that shares a border with Afghanistan. "The Sikh leadership complains that rough and usually inaccurate estimates are made about their exact number. The Sikh community has also been subjected to continued discrimination and violence from extremists over the years because of their religious affiliation, but they are generally better treated by government agencies as compared to other religious minorities. Persecution of religious minorities and targeted sects within Islam force people like the Hazaras to seek asylum in European countries. A signicantly large number of Ahmadis has migrated to Europe and lives in exile, it said.

Religious minorities continue to face violent attacks in Pakistan: Watchdog

The Hindu community in Pakistan&#39;s Khyber Pakthunkhwa is protesting against the planned oath-taking ceremony of a member of the provincial assembly accused of murdering a Sikh lawmaker.

 
Baldev Kumar, who is in jail in the murder case of Sikh lawmaker Sardar Soran Singh, was to be produced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly today.

 
Speaker Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KP) Assembly Asad Qaisar today withdrew the Assembly Secretariat letter dated February 23 regarding production order of Kumar in the assembly today. Now he will take oath tomorrow.

 
Coordinator KP chief minister on Minorities Ravi Kumar described the oath taking of Kumar as a sad day for the minorities of the province.

 
Haroon Sarab Diyal, the leader of Hindu community in the province, said that the Hindus would protest if he was administered the oath.

 
Singh, a lawmaker from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, was shot dead in April 2016 in Buner district of the province. Singh was elected to the provincial assembly on a minority seat.

 
His son Ajay yesterday appealed the provincial government not to bring the killer of his father in the provincial assembly for obtaining his vote for PTI Senate candidate in the upcoming Senate elections due on March 3rd.

 
Kumar, the second in the list of Tehreek-e-Insaf party&#39;s candidates for a reserved seat for minorities, has been facing a trial in the case.

Baldev Kumar, who is in jail in the murder case of Sikh lawmaker Sardar Soran Singh, was to be produced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly today.

The Hindu community in Pakistan's Khyber Pakthunkhwa is protesting against the planned oath-taking ceremony of a member of the provincial assembly accused of murdering a Sikh lawmaker. Baldev Kumar, who is in jail in the murder case of Sikh lawmaker Sardar Soran Singh, was to be produced in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly today. Speaker Khyber Pakthunkhwa (KP) Assembly Asad Qaisar today withdrew the Assembly Secretariat letter dated February 23 regarding production order of Kumar in the assembly today. Now he will take oath tomorrow. Coordinator KP chief minister on Minorities Ravi Kumar described the oath taking of Kumar as a sad day for the minorities of the province. Haroon Sarab Diyal, the leader of Hindu community in the province, said that the Hindus would protest if he was administered the oath. Singh, a lawmaker from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, was shot dead in April 2016 in Buner district of the province. Singh was elected to the provincial assembly on a minority seat. His son Ajay yesterday appealed the provincial government not to bring the killer of his father in the provincial assembly for obtaining his vote for PTI Senate candidate in the upcoming Senate elections due on March 3rd. Kumar, the second in the list of Tehreek-e-Insaf party's candidates for a reserved seat for minorities, has been facing a trial in the case.

Pak Hindus object to oath-taking of lawmaker in Khyber Pakthunkhwa

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday lauded India&#39;s cultural diversity, saying multiple faiths and schools of thought co-exist peacefully in the county.&nbsp;

Speaking at a meeting with Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in Hyderabad on Thursday night, Rouhani, who arrived on a three-day India visit, said Islam is not a religion of violence, but one of moderation.

&quot;India is a living museum of different ethnicities and religions peacefully co-existing. This process is going on for centuries. Shia, Sunnis, Sufis, Hindus, Sikhs and others are living together. They together built their country and built their civilization,&quot; he said in his speech in Persian.

&quot;We see a lot of temples, other places of worship, and they are living in peace. They are having peaceful co-existence,&quot; he said.

Iran Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif also spoke at the event.

Rouhani, who arrived on a three-day India visit, said Islam is not a religion of violence, but one of moderation

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Thursday lauded India's cultural diversity, saying multiple faiths and schools of thought co-exist peacefully in the county. Speaking at a meeting with Muslim intellectuals, scholars and clerics in Hyderabad on Thursday night, Rouhani, who arrived on a three-day India visit, said Islam is not a religion of violence, but one of moderation. "India is a living museum of different ethnicities and religions peacefully co-existing. This process is going on for centuries. Shia, Sunnis, Sufis, Hindus, Sikhs and others are living together. They together built their country and built their civilization," he said in his speech in Persian. "We see a lot of temples, other places of worship, and they are living in peace. They are having peaceful co-existence," he said. Iran Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif also spoke at the event.

Muslims, non-Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs are coexisting in peace in India: Iranian President

The Supreme Court is&nbsp;to commence hearing today on a batch of cross-petitions challenging 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict that had divided the disputed Babri Masjid-Ramjanambhoomi site between the Nirmohi Akhara, Lord Ram deity and the Sunni Waqf Board.

Today&#39;s hearing assumes significance in the wake of the rejection by a special bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, the vehement submission by Sunni Waqf Board and others that the pleas be heard after the next general elections.

The bench, also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer, had made clear on December 5 last year, that it would begin final hearing on the petitions from February 8 and had asked the parties to file the requisite pleadings in the meantime.

Senior lawyers including Kapil Sibal and Rajeev Dhavan had contended that the civil appeals be either referred to a five or seven-judge bench or posted in 2019 keeping in mind the sensitive nature of the case and its ramifications on the country&#39;s secular fabric and polity.

The top court had asked the advocates on records (AoRs), dealing with as many 14 civil appeals against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court in the land dispute, to ensure that all requisite documents are translated, filed and numbered before the apex court Registry.

The special bench of the apex court is seized of a total 14 appeals filed against the High Court judgement delivered in four civil suits.

A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had in 2010 ordered that the land be partitioned equally among three parties &mdash; the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Three judges of the Supreme Court are likely to start "final hearings" on a bunch of 13 petitions over the 2.7 acres disputed Ayodhya site that is claimed by both Hindus and Muslims

The Supreme Court is to commence hearing today on a batch of cross-petitions challenging 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict that had divided the disputed Babri Masjid-Ramjanambhoomi site between the Nirmohi Akhara, Lord Ram deity and the Sunni Waqf Board. Today's hearing assumes significance in the wake of the rejection by a special bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, the vehement submission by Sunni Waqf Board and others that the pleas be heard after the next general elections. The bench, also comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer, had made clear on December 5 last year, that it would begin final hearing on the petitions from February 8 and had asked the parties to file the requisite pleadings in the meantime. Senior lawyers including Kapil Sibal and Rajeev Dhavan had contended that the civil appeals be either referred to a five or seven-judge bench or posted in 2019 keeping in mind the sensitive nature of the case and its ramifications on the country's secular fabric and polity. The top court had asked the advocates on records (AoRs), dealing with as many 14 civil appeals against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court in the land dispute, to ensure that all requisite documents are translated, filed and numbered before the apex court Registry. The special bench of the apex court is seized of a total 14 appeals filed against the High Court judgement delivered in four civil suits. A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had in 2010 ordered that the land be partitioned equally among three parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. (With inputs from Agencies)

Supreme Court to start final hearings in Ayodhya case today

Growing extremism and religious intolerance are leading to thousands of Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus reportedly fleeing Pakistan.

Government inaction in countering religious harassment by Islamic groups has caused considerable heartburn. Even atheists are being targeted.

The Ahmadiyya community is an endangered community in Pakistan in spite of being an Islamic sect, and has been a target of death threats openly.

Excommunicated by the second amendment to Pakistan&#39;s Constitution in 1974, the Ahmadiyyas have faced a severe backlash over the initial changes made regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of prophethood) in the Elections Reforms Bill passed in October.

According to the Pakistan Penal Code, an Ahmadi can be imprisoned for reading the Koran or even using Islamic titles, says a report published in the Asia Times.

The daily quotes Ahmadiyya spokesperson Saleem Uddin, as saying that the Ahmadis have been made scapegoats since the state of Pakistan was created in 1947, and added that people have forgotten the community&#39;s contribution in creating the country post-partition.

Atheists are another category of Pakistani citizens who are at huge risk, so much so that many of them have now deactivated their profiles over fears of being abducted. They also do not see their homes or the internet as safe spaces where they can share ideas.

Local atheists can pass off as Muslims, but Hindus and Christians are visible targets, as can be seen by the recent suicide bomb attack inside the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta.

Threats by Muslim radicals have prompted innumerable Christians to flee Pakistan and look for asylum elsewhere.

The fate of Hindus is no different according to the Asia Times article. They too are seeking shelter abroad.

PML-N Senator Ramesh Kumar was quoted, as saying, &quot;around 5,000 Hindus leave Pakistan every year&quot; because of the extensive persecution. This includes forced marriages and kidnapping for ransom, as well as attacks on Hindu temples.

&quot;Hatred against Hindus, primarily driven from the ideology of Two-Nation Theory, is deeply injected in the veins of raw minds through distorted history and fabricated tales taught in books,&quot; the daily quotes Pakistani human rights activist Kapil Dev, as saying.

Calls for filtering out religion and distorted versions of history promoting hatred against Hindus are being made more frequently.

Activists want to counter radical Islamist perspectives with a secular narrative, but Ibn Abdur Rehman, secretary-general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, doesn&#39;t see it happening anytime soon.

He told Asia Times. &quot;The state has surrendered to the radical Islamists and plans on gradually taking away every last bit of freedom from its citizens.&quot;&nbsp;

Government inaction in countering religious harassment by Islamic groups has caused considerable heartburn.

Growing extremism and religious intolerance are leading to thousands of Christians, Ahmadis and Hindus reportedly fleeing Pakistan. Government inaction in countering religious harassment by Islamic groups has caused considerable heartburn. Even atheists are being targeted. The Ahmadiyya community is an endangered community in Pakistan in spite of being an Islamic sect, and has been a target of death threats openly. Excommunicated by the second amendment to Pakistan's Constitution in 1974, the Ahmadiyyas have faced a severe backlash over the initial changes made regarding Khatm-e-Nabuwat (finality of prophethood) in the Elections Reforms Bill passed in October. According to the Pakistan Penal Code, an Ahmadi can be imprisoned for reading the Koran or even using Islamic titles, says a report published in the Asia Times. The daily quotes Ahmadiyya spokesperson Saleem Uddin, as saying that the Ahmadis have been made scapegoats since the state of Pakistan was created in 1947, and added that people have forgotten the community's contribution in creating the country post-partition. Atheists are another category of Pakistani citizens who are at huge risk, so much so that many of them have now deactivated their profiles over fears of being abducted. They also do not see their homes or the internet as safe spaces where they can share ideas. Local atheists can pass off as Muslims, but Hindus and Christians are visible targets, as can be seen by the recent suicide bomb attack inside the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta. Threats by Muslim radicals have prompted innumerable Christians to flee Pakistan and look for asylum elsewhere. The fate of Hindus is no different according to the Asia Times article. They too are seeking shelter abroad. PML-N Senator Ramesh Kumar was quoted, as saying, "around 5,000 Hindus leave Pakistan every year" because of the extensive persecution. This includes forced marriages and kidnapping for ransom, as well as attacks on Hindu temples. "Hatred against Hindus, primarily driven from the ideology of Two-Nation Theory, is deeply injected in the veins of raw minds through distorted history and fabricated tales taught in books," the daily quotes Pakistani human rights activist Kapil Dev, as saying. Calls for filtering out religion and distorted versions of history promoting hatred against Hindus are being made more frequently. Activists want to counter radical Islamist perspectives with a secular narrative, but Ibn Abdur Rehman, secretary-general of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, doesn't see it happening anytime soon. He told Asia Times. "The state has surrendered to the radical Islamists and plans on gradually taking away every last bit of freedom from its citizens."

Pakistan's minorities fleeing because of religious intolerance

Two Hindu brothers were today shot dead outside their grain shop by bike-borne robbers in Tharparkar district of Pakistan&#39;s Sindh province, triggering protests from the minority community.

The victims, identified as Dileep Kumar and Chandar Maheshwari were grain traders. They were opening their shop in the grain market in Mithi area of the district when the incident took place, a media reported.

According to police, in the first-ever robbery incident in the city, bike-borne dacoits tried to snatch the money from the brothers, but when they resisted, the robbers shot them.

Following the incident, traders shut their business in Hindu-dominated areas in the district in protest and people blocked main roads and staged sit-ins, leading to traffic jams.

Local people alleged that police reached late at the spot as most of the personnel have been deployed in Mirpurkhas for the security arrangement of a rally organised by the Pakistan Peoples&#39; Party (PPP), where former President Asif Ali Zardari is supposed to address, the report said.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal directed the Senior Superintendent of Police of Umerkot to probe the killing.

The victims, identified as Dileep Kumar and Chandar Maheshwari were grain traders. They were opening their shop in the grain market in Mithi area of the district when the incident took place, a media reported

Two Hindu brothers were today shot dead outside their grain shop by bike-borne robbers in Tharparkar district of Pakistan's Sindh province, triggering protests from the minority community. The victims, identified as Dileep Kumar and Chandar Maheshwari were grain traders. They were opening their shop in the grain market in Mithi area of the district when the incident took place, a media reported. According to police, in the first-ever robbery incident in the city, bike-borne dacoits tried to snatch the money from the brothers, but when they resisted, the robbers shot them. Following the incident, traders shut their business in Hindu-dominated areas in the district in protest and people blocked main roads and staged sit-ins, leading to traffic jams. Local people alleged that police reached late at the spot as most of the personnel have been deployed in Mirpurkhas for the security arrangement of a rally organised by the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP), where former President Asif Ali Zardari is supposed to address, the report said. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Siyal directed the Senior Superintendent of Police of Umerkot to probe the killing.

Two Pakistani Hindu businessmen shot dead in Sindh

BJP MLA Vikram Saini, who is known for making controversial statements, has claimed that India is a country for the Hindus as it is known as &#39;Hindustan&#39;.

Khatauli MLA Saini made the statement at an event held here on Monday.

He said that some &quot;irresponsible leaders&quot; had allowed some Muslims to live in India.

&quot;During partition, due to them (Muslims), the Hindus are facing problem in the country. If they (Muslims) had not stopped in India, property of crores would be of the Hindus,&quot; Saini claimed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-mla-sees-muslim-conspiracy-to-take-over-india-by-2030-28290" target="_blank">Muslims aiming to take over India by 2030, says Rajasthan MLA</a>

When asked to comment on his statement, Saini refused to reply, saying he was busy.

Last year, Saini had threatened to break the limbs of those who kill and disrespect cows, sparking a controversy.

Saini is an accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case and was detained under the National Security Act.&nbsp;

BJP MLA Vikram Saini said some irresponsible leaders' had allowed some Muslims to live in India

BJP MLA Vikram Saini, who is known for making controversial statements, has claimed that India is a country for the Hindus as it is known as 'Hindustan'. Khatauli MLA Saini made the statement at an event held here on Monday. He said that some "irresponsible leaders" had allowed some Muslims to live in India. "During partition, due to them (Muslims), the Hindus are facing problem in the country. If they (Muslims) had not stopped in India, property of crores would be of the Hindus," Saini claimed. Also read: Muslims aiming to take over India by 2030, says Rajasthan MLA When asked to comment on his statement, Saini refused to reply, saying he was busy. Last year, Saini had threatened to break the limbs of those who kill and disrespect cows, sparking a controversy. Saini is an accused in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots case and was detained under the National Security Act.

UP MLA says 'India is for Hindus'

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