SHRC writes to IG Sindh for foolproof security on Diwali
Imran
On behalf of SHRC, Member Sindh Human Rights Commission Mr. Sukhdev A. Hemnani has issued letter to Inspector General of Police, Sindh, for provision of foolproof security at the places of worship and the communal spaces belonging to the Hindu community during the festival of Diwali.
Diwali will commence from 31st October till 3rd of November, 2024. Through the letter, the Commission recommends that special measures shall be taken throughout Sindh to provide foolproof protection/security to the places of worship and communal spaces of Hindu community across Sindh province in order to ensure observation of the festivities in a peaceful manner.
The letter highlights Article 2 (A) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan that categorically states that “adequate provision shall be made for the minorities to [freely] profess and practisetheir religions and develop their culture” and Article 36 that states that “The State shall safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of minorities.…”
The Commission also draws the attention to the SC judgment (2024 PLD 699/SMC No. 1/2014) in which the Honourable Supreme Court has directed that “special task force be established with professional training to protect the places of worship of minorities” and therefore, the Commission strongly recommends special security arrangements on the eve of Diwali.
