Rumors of blasphemy led to violent protests against Hindus on the eve of Holi in Pakistan in Mirpurkhas, Sindh, Pakistan.
Videos viral on social media shows violent Muslim mobs shouting slogans like Gustakh-e-Nabi ki Ek saza sar tan se juda, sar tan se Juda which means that those who disrespect Prophet should be beheaded.
The rumor mills went crazy during the Hindu festival of Holi and it alleged that some unknown people or ‘NaMaloom Afraad’ have written names of Islamic god (Allah) and Islam’s prophet Muhammad on some road.
However, in other videos, which are being shared on Whatsapp, the perpetrators are openly being labeled as ‘Hindus.’ The video which we were able to obtain clearly shows a man calling for punishing the community behind this blasphemy:
A group named Fixit, which claims to be addressing important issues of ‘Aam Admi’ or common Man posted several videos on the same and has come under severe criticism.
#PTI Bastards in guise of #FIXIT instigating People in Mirpurkhas to burn houses of minorities. Stop hate campaign using "Blasphemy" allegations, #FIA must take notice of this facebook official page "FIXIT Mirpurkhas" and arrest the culprits before Gojra-like tragedy occurs. pic.twitter.com/cTmTQqLOWH
— Majid Agha (@Majid_Agha) March 3, 2018
LATEST: Against blasphemous wording written on the roads of Mirpurkhas, Pakistan "FIXIT MIRPURKHAS" group is instigating people to burn houses of minorities and beheading blasphemers. To avoid any serious tragedy, the government must take notice of the situation.
— Kaleem Dean (@KaleemDean) March 3, 2018
Lal Malhi, a senior Pakistani Hindu leader from PTI, wrote about the alarming situation and attacks on Temples belonging to the Hindus:
Hindu population of mirpurkhas city on the eve of Holi fears attacks. Efforts made to attack temples at Mirpurkhas. Temples attacked in Mirpurkhas. Thanks to Pakistan rangers who ensured no major harm made to temples.
Hindu population of mirpurkhas city on the eve of Holi fears attacks. Efforts made to attack temples at Mirpurkhas. Condemned.
— LAL MALHI (@LALMALHI) March 2, 2018
However, what is most interesting is that despite the seriousness of the issue, most media houses have chosen to stay mum. Due to continuous persecution, Hindus of Pakistan have been forced to take shelter in India.
Quran set on fire in Pakistan, Hindus fear for their safety
The problem in Pakistan is that just about anything can be called blasphemy. Even a non-Muslim eating in Ramazan is a blasphemy as an elderly Hindu man Gokal Das found when he was beaten black and blue for eating rice before the iftar time triggering worldwide condemnation of Pakistan.
Namta Gupta
