Sindh: Hindus protest over attack on Kali Mata temple

Parts of the place of worship have been vandalised, causing fear among residents of the Fateh Chowk district. Members of the community organised a demonstration, blocking traffic and chanting slogans in support of religious freedom. The details of the attack and the identity of those responsible remain unclear. The police intervention, and the promise to punish those responsible, has restored calm.

Hyderabad (AsiaNews) - In recent hours, there has been a temporary but worrying escalation of tension in Hyderabad, the second most populous city in the province of Sindh, in southern Pakistan, a country with a large Muslim majority; the protest was triggered by the attack on the Kali Mata temple in the Fateh Chowk area, which sparked the anger and discontent of the local Hindu minority. In response, members of the local community organised a temporary roadblock, fuelling the confrontation and raising fears of further violence among local residents.

According to initial reports, unidentified individuals vandalised parts of the place of worship, causing damage and spreading a climate of fear in the neighbourhood. Although details regarding the extent of the damage remain unclear, the incident quickly drew the attention of the local Hindu community, who gathered in the district housing the temple to organise a sit-in protest.

Dozens of protesters blocked the main roads for several hours, causing long queues of vehicles and significant disruption for commuters during rush hour. Those present chanted slogans and sang in support of religious freedom, the protection of minority rights and immediate action by the authorities against those responsible for the alleged attack.

A video shared on social media by Mangla Sharma, a leader linked to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM Pakistan) and a former member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly, showed protesters chanting slogans in support of religious rights and demanding justice. The footage highlighted the intensity of the community’s reaction and the urgency of their demands.

One protester, identified as Lashman, stated that the community would not end the sit-in until the authorities had guaranteed their safety and taken concrete action against the attackers. He went on to say that some members had received threats in the past and claimed that similar incidents had already occurred, albeit without being reported. These claims, however, have not been independently verified by the authorities.

Protesters emphasised that the demonstration was peaceful in nature, but no less resolute in calling for the defence of rights and freedoms. “We are here for justice and security. We will not leave until the authorities respond to our concerns,” shouted a protester during the sit-in. Law enforcement officers went to the demonstration site and engaged in dialogue with those present, seeking common ground to defuse the tension.

Among the officials involved in the mediation was Maria Sario, head of the Hyderabad Women and Children’s Section, alongside other police and district administration officials. Speaking to the media, Sario emphasised the police department’s commitment to protecting minority communities. She went on to note that the Hyderabad police had worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and rights of minorities, stressing once again the importance of maintaining public trust. “As officers,” she said, “we must remain humble, listen to people sincerely and treat everyone with respect.”

Senior police officials, including the Superintendent-in-Chief (SSP) of Hyderabad, personally oversaw the situation. Under their direction, the authorities launched a prompt response, including the arrest of individuals suspected of being involved in the incident. The officials finally reported that these measures had helped bring the situation under control. Following negotiations and reassurances from the administration, the protest gradually dispersed and traffic resumed, with no serious incidents or injuries occurring during the peak of tensions.

Although the immediate situation has been contained, the incident once again highlights persistent concerns amongst minority communities regarding the security of places of worship. Religious leaders have urged the authorities to adopt long-term measures to prevent such incidents and ensure a sense of security for all residents. In response, the authorities reported that an investigation into the alleged act of vandalism is underway and have committed to taking further action based on the findings.