Violence Against Minorities in Pakistan: Hindu Farmer Shot Dead in Sindh, Sparks Mass Protests

Islamabad, Pakistan: In a tragic incident highlighting ongoing violence against minorities in Pakistan, a 25-year-old Hindu farmer, Kailash Kolhi, was shot dead in Sindh province. The killing is allegedly linked to a local landlord, Sarfaraz Nizami. The incident triggered widespread outrage, with thousands of Hindu and local residents taking to the streets in Badin district, blocking major roads and demanding justice.

Protests and Police Intervention

According to reports from The Express Tribune, the protest, which had been ongoing for two days along the Thar Coal Road in Badin district, concluded on Friday after multiple rounds of talks with police officials. District authorities, including Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bhatti and SSP Qamar Raza Jikani, negotiated with the victim’s father, Chetan Kolhi, assuring them that the accused landlord would be arrested within a week. Despite the protest ending, anger and resentment among the local Hindu community remain high.

Circumstances of the Killing

The accused, Sarfaraz Nizami, allegedly shot Kailash Kolhi on January 4 in Talhar village of Badin while allegedly under the influence of alcohol. According to the victim’s father, “We arrived at the scene after hearing gunshots and found our son lying on the ground, seriously wounded. Nizami and his men fled after the attack.”

Community Response

The demonstration drew participation from thousands of Hindus, more than a dozen political parties, and religious organizations, all demanding the arrest of Sarfaraz Nizami. After receiving police assurances to apprehend the accused within a week, the protest was called off.

Pressure on Authorities

The Badin District Bar Association condemned the police’s failure to act promptly and even boycotted local courts in protest. Local Hindu groups, including the Kolhi Ittehad, along with political and nationalist party leaders, mobilized significant pressure, compelling the police to promise swift action.

Broader Context

This incident comes amid a recent surge of attacks on minorities in neighboring Bangladesh, raising concerns about the safety of Hindu communities in the region. Sindh province remains home to Pakistan’s largest Hindu population, making the community particularly vulnerable to targeted violence.