Third batch of Hindu families from Pak crosses over to India

Over 250 Hindus belonging to Balochistan and Sindh provinces, where the community has been the target of extortions, kidnapping and forced conversions, have crossed over to India since August 10 amid reports of exodus following the kidnapping of a Hindu girl was kidnapped in Sindh province.

The fresh batch comprises 14 people of three families including women.

A woman, on condition of anonymity, alleged that the members of minority community "were treated worst then slaves by the fundamentalist groups who kidnap females on gun point".

Struggling hard to hold back her tears, Ramandeep (42) from Balochistan said, "Many worst incidents have occurred with the minority in the Pakistan which cannot be shared publicly for the sake of future of our family".

Mukesh, who was part of the group, said, "Hindu families are totally unsafe in Pakistan. We can't celebrate our festivals. We can't dream of visiting any of the Hindu temples.

"We cant afford to let our children go out in the streets to play or mix-up with other children."

Referring to the kidnapping of the girl in Sindh, another member Vishal said it "had triggered widespread concern among the minority community and after the incident Hindu are aggressively planning for exodus".

He replied in the affirmative when asked if the maximum members of delegation would prefer not to go back to Pakistan in such circumstances.

"Hindu girls after being kidnapped were forced to convert. The Hindu community in Pakistan is not stronger enough to raise its voice.... And no doubt any disturbed Hindu family would have sought asylum in India."

Vishal said that Indian government should facilitate immigration for Pakistani Hindus and Sikhs in view of the current law and order situation there, particularly with regard to the atrocities being inflicted on minorities.

The three families run small grocery shops in Pakistan.