VHP condemns atrocities against Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh, slams global silence

NEW DELHI: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) condemned the alleged abduction and forced religious conversion of four Hindu siblings in Pakistan's Sindh province, calling it a “horrible story” and denouncing the continued rise in anti-Hindu violence in the region. The incident, where three sisters and their cousin were allegedly coerced into converting to Islam by their teachers, has reignited concerns over minority rights in Pakistan.

“It is a horrible story,” said VHP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal. “Conversion and atrocities are increasing. International bodies like the UNHRC, the UNO, and other concerned agencies remain silent when Hindus face violence at the hands of Islamic jihadis. Pakistan must honour the Nehru-Liaquat Pact to safeguard minorities and take immediate action. The religion that claims to preach peace is being exposed by such incidents, not only in Pakistan but also in Bangladesh. The world knows that the land now called Bangladesh was once the sacred land of Maa Durga. Today, not only are chants to the goddess banned, but devotees are being attacked and idols desecrated. This must stop.”

The VHP’s remarks come in the wake of alarming reports from Shahdadpur, Sindh, where four Hindu siblings, two of them minors, were allegedly abducted and converted by their teachers. Despite protests by families and Hindu community leaders, local media portrayed the conversions as voluntary. Pakistani courts ruled that the minors be returned to their families, while the two adult girls, both medical students, were sent to a safe house. The accused, who are teachers, were granted bail after kidnapping charges were dropped, fuelling further outrage.

In a separate incident, a Durga temple in Bangladesh was reportedly demolished and devotees assaulted during recent religious gatherings. Hindu organisations have linked this to an increasing pattern of targeted violence and state indifference in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. The VHP warned that Bangladesh is moving in the direction of Pakistan and Afghanistan in terms of intolerance, describing the trend as “serious and condemnable.”

Bansal added that while the Government of India has taken diplomatic steps, the lack of serious international response remains troubling. He also criticised sections of India’s opposition and Muslim organisations for remaining silent on such incidents, questioning their “credibility and partiality against Hindus.”