A large sit-in protest seeking justice for the murder of activist Kalash Kohli in Pakistan entered its third day today. Kohli, a Hindu farmer and community activist was shot dead in Pakistan’s Sindh on Sunday (January 4).
The accused, identified as Sarfaraz Nizamani, a feudal lord, reportedly shot the farmer- Kailash Kohli,- in his chest, following which he died on the spot. As per a report by News18, the killing has shocked Hindu residents of Sindh, who say they have long lived under fear of forced conversions, abductions and violent intimidation.
Following the death of Kailash Kohli, thousands of men, women and children from the Hindu community, backed by more than a dozen political, nationalist and religious parties took to the streets demanding immediate arrest of Nizamani.
The protestors led by Kalash Kohli‘s father, Chetan Kohli staged sit-ins on the Badin–Hyderabad National Highway and the Badin–Thar Coal Road. Hundreds of vehicles remained stranded for hours as protesters demanded justice for the killing of Kohli and vowed not to disperse until those responsible were arrested.
What did Chetan Kohli say?
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Chetan Kohli alleged that Nizamani was furious and intoxicated at the time of the shooting. “I saw my son lying on the ground with bullet wounds. Nizamani and his men also pointed guns at us before escaping,” he said. The groups are further pressing for a case to be registered against the accused under the charges of murder and terrorism and also demanded complete protection for the family of the victim.
Demands for justice have also spread across social media, where hashtags such as #JusticeForKailashKolhi gained traction as locals, activists and rights groups urged the provincial government to act swiftly.
As per a report by The Express Tribune, the demonstrations finally slowed down on Saturday after District Senior Superintendent of Police Qamar Raza Jikani and Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bhatti held three rounds of negotiations with protesters, led by the victim’s father, Chetan Kolhi.
The ongoing protest has drawn participation from leaders and workers of several political, nationalist, religious, and social organisations, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jiye Sindh Mahaz, Qaumi Awami Tehreek among others.
India’s recent statement on Pak
Yesterday on January 9, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal had rejected Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson’s comments on conditions of minorities in India and said that Pakistan has no standing to comment on minority issues given its domestic situation.
Last month, India had similarly rejected Pakistan’s remarks on alleged violence against minorities, describing Islamabad’s own record as “abysmal”. The MEA had said Pakistan’s systemic persecution of religious minorities is a well-established fact and cannot be obscured by external accusations.