Razing of Sikh homes: India takes up matter with Pak

 Amid reports of demolition of homes of Sikhs in parts of Pakistan, India today said it had taken up the matter of treatment of minorities in that country with the government in Islamabad.      

"On seeing reports about Sikh families in Pakistan being driven out of their homes and being subject to 'jiziya' and other such impositions, the Government of India has taken up with Pakistan the question of treatment of minorities with the government of Pakistan," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash said here.      

According to reports, Taliban militants have demolished 11 homes of members of the minority Sikh community in Pakistan's troubled Aurakzai tribal region after they failed to pay 'jiziya' or a tax levied on non-Muslims.      

The militants acted after a deadline set by them for payment of 'jiziya' by the Sikhs expired on April 29, the reports said.      

The Sikh had discussed the possibility of leaving the area at a meeting of the community but were unable to reach a decision.      

Though the Sikhs have been living in Aurakzai Agency for centuries, the Taliban asked them earlier this month to pay Rs 50 million a year as jiziya.      

The militants claimed this was being done as Shariah or Islamic law had been enforced in the area and all non-Muslims have to pay "protection money".