India on Sunday strongly condemned the murder of a Sikh citizen of Pakistan in Peshawar and urged the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan to stop attacks on religious minorities in the country.
A press statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) pointed out Islamabad’s inaction regarding several cases of violence against Sikhs and urged Pakistan to punish the perpetrators.
“India strongly condemns the targeted killing of minority Sikh community member in Peshawar that follows the recent despicable vandalism and desecration of the holy Gurudwara Sri Janam Asthan at Nankana Sahib. The Government of Pakistan should act in defence of their own minorities instead of preaching sermons about it to other countries,” a press release issued by the MEA said. The statement also highlighted the case of Sikh girl, Jagjit Kaur of Nankana Sahib who was allegedly abducted and forcibly married.
India’s condemnation came soon after Ravinder Singh was killed by miscreants in Peshawar.
In a social media message, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, said: “Shocked and anguished over killing of Sikh youth Ravinder Singh in Pakistan coming on heels of Nankana Sahib attack. Imran Khan government must ensure (a) thorough investigation and strict punishment for the culprits. This is the time to act on what you preach.”
Following the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019, Prime Minister Imran Khan has criticised the Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise, accusing the Indian government of discrimination.
Published - January 05, 2020 04:58 pm IST
