CENTRE SEEKS ACTION OVER VIOLENCE AGAINST MINORITIES IN PAK

NEW DELHI: India has taken up instances of violence against minorities in neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, both bilaterally and at international forums and sought action to bring the perpetrators of such incidents to justice, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.

Responding to questions in Rajya Sabha, minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan said reports of violence and harassment of minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan are a “matter of concern to the government”. “Upon occurrence of incidents of sporadic violence against minorities and their places of worship in Afghanistan and Bangladesh, these issues are raised formally as well as informally...,” he said in his reply to a question from MP Kirodi Lal Meena.

The governments of Afghanistan and Bangladesh have assured India that “they take all possible steps to protect their citizens, including religious minorities”, he said.

“In Pakistan, incidents of killing, persecution, intimidation, abduction, forced conversions, desecration and vandalisation of places of worship of minorities and attacks on their business establishments are regularly reported in the media...,” he added.

“Pakistan has also been asked to take immediate measures to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of such despicable and heinous acts to justice.”