Violent attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh in recent days have evoked popular protest in Delhi with residents of Jamia Nagar expressing strong condemnation. They held a candle light vigil and peace march on Wednesday, registering their protest against the killings of Shias and attacks on Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Holding placards which said “Stop Genocide of Hindus in Pakistan,” “We want Peace,” the peace marchers, including girls and young boys, raised slogans against the government of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Nuzhat, a Jamia Millia Islamia student who was part of the vigil, said: “Muslims in India are quite concerned about what is happening in Pakistan and Bangladesh. We condemn the attacks in the strongest possible terms and demand that the governments of the two countries should bring the perpetrators to book and ensure that the minorities remain safe and secured.”
Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has also expressed concern over the cases of violence against Christians in Lahore last Saturday after an alleged blasphemy row. Expressing solidarity with the members of the minority community, the CBCI asked the Pakistani Prime Minister to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
In a statement the religious body highlighted the growing trend of attacks on Christians in Pakistan. “It is quite distressing to note that in recent years, attacks on Christians, in several parts of Pakistan are on the increase and there is a growing sense of insecurity among them. Under the pretext of alleged blasphemy, organised crime and violence are let loose by cynical mobs, causing heavy loss of life and damage to property,” the CBCI statement said.
