Sindh govt appoints Hindus in police as part of inclusive hiring policy: Murad

Sindh govt appoints Hindus in police as part of inclusive hiring policy: Murad

Sindh govt appoints Hindus in police as part of inclusive hiring policy: Murad

CM meets Hindu community leaders of Larkana, Sukkur divisions

KARACHI (April 9): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah held a meeting with leaders from the Hindu community of Larkana and Sukkur Division, where he announced that his government had recruited Kolhis, Bhils, and Meghwars into the Sindh Police as part of an inclusive hiring policy.

He addressed the misconception that Hindus are specifically targeted in kidnapping cases, stating that in 2024-25, out of 310 reported kidnappings, only eight victims were Hindus. Of those, seven have been recovered, leaving only one case involving a Hindu, Rajesh, still unresolved. He added that apart from the Hindus, five Muslims are also outstanding in the current cases. Otherwise, the government has controlled kidnappings for ransom drastically.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Syed Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, MPAs Jameel Soomro, Rajveer Singh, Lal Chand Ukrani, Veerji Kolhi, Sukh Dev Asardas, and senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, IGP Sindh, and other relevant officers.

At the outset, Murad Ali Shah acknowledged the Hindu community as the original inhabitants of Sindh, recognising their significant contributions to the province’s development in sectors such as trade, commerce, education, health and various others.

Mr Shah emphasised that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has made it clear that any injustice against minorities is unacceptable, and the Sindh government is committed to prioritising the resolution of issues faced by the Hindu community.

The chief minister reviewed the law-and-order situation, particularly in divisions like Kashmore and Kandhkot, which have reported insecurity. He noted that while the situation in Shikarpur and Larkana has improved, further efforts are still needed. Reports also highlighted an increase in motorcycle and car thefts in Larkana.

Members of the Hindu community expressed concerns over the illegal occupation of temple lands (ghonsalas), cases of kidnapping, and land grabbing. They reported that Rajesh had been missing for five months, prompting the Chief Minister to direct the IGP to prioritise his recovery.

The Sindh Home Minister and IGP briefed the chief minister on ongoing crackdowns against criminals and dacoits in the Katcha areas, informing him that 152 dacoits have been targeted in operations, during which 20 police officers have been martyred. “This shows the commitment of the police.

Mr Shah reiterated that in 2024-25, there were a total of 310 kidnappings, with only eight involving Hindus, of whom seven have already been recovered. He assured everyone that strong actions are being taken to recover Rajesh soon.

“Sindh offers more protection to its minorities than any other province,” he stated. “The PPP has never abandoned its minority communities and never will,” he said.

To ensure better coordination and swift resolution of issues, the chief minister announced the formation of committees in each division, comprising representatives from the Hindu Panchayat, Commissioners, and DIGs to address community concerns.

Mr. Shah also informed everyone that members of minority communities, including Kolhis, Bhils, and Meghwars, have been recruited into the Sindh Police. “If the Hindu community desires, he would ensure that Hindu policemen are posted for the security of their holy places,” he said.

The Chief Minister instructed the police to act against street crime in all major cities, reiterating the government’s firm stance: “We will eliminate criminals, not collaborate with them,” he concluded.