Shia Muslims in Lucknow Protest Against Violence in Pakistan
In Lucknow, a city in Uttar Pradesh, India, Shia Muslims held protests against the targeted killings of Shias in Parachinar, a town in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The demonstrators chanted slogans like ‘Pakistan Murdabad’ in response to the brutal killings of dozens of Shias during a week-long sectarian violence.
Syed Hasan Mehndi, the General Secretary of the All India Shia Hussaini Fund in Lucknow, wrote a letter to India’s Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In his letter, he urged the Indian government to raise the issue of Shia security in Pakistan. He highlighted the atrocities faced by the Shia minority community in Pakistan and stressed the need for international pressure on the Pakistani government.
‘The terrorists from Parachinar, Pakistan, have cruelly murdered members of the Shia minority community two days ago, including men, women, and children. Thousands of Shias have been killed in Pakistan over the past 35 years, but no Pakistani government has been successful in providing security to the Shias. Instead, all Pakistani governments have supported the terrorists,’ Syed Hasan Mehndi stated in his letter to Amit Shah.
He also emphasized the concern of Indian Shias regarding the killings of their counterparts in Pakistan. ‘Our country is called a Hindu nation, but here, Shias live with full respect, security, and freedom to perform their religious activities. However, in Pakistan, which claims to be an Islamic country, Shia Muslims are being killed by being labelled as infidels,’ he added.
The protests in Lucknow reflect the growing concern among Indian Shias about the safety and well-being of their community members in Pakistan. They are calling for immediate action and international intervention to stop the ongoing violence.
Doubts Revealed
Shia Muslims -: Shia Muslims are a group of people who follow a branch of Islam called Shia Islam. They have some different beliefs and practices compared to another group called Sunni Muslims.
Lucknow -: Lucknow is a big city in India. It is the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh and is known for its rich history and culture.
Parachinar -: Parachinar is a town in Pakistan. It is located in a region called Kurram District and has a significant population of Shia Muslims.
Syed Hasan Mehndi -: Syed Hasan Mehndi is a person who is the General Secretary of an organization called the All India Shia Hussaini Fund. He helps represent Shia Muslims in India.
All India Shia Hussaini Fund -: The All India Shia Hussaini Fund is an organization that works to support Shia Muslims in India. They help with various issues and represent Shia interests.
Amit Shah -: Amit Shah is a politician in India. He is the Home Minister, which means he is responsible for the country’s internal security and law enforcement.
targeted killings -: Targeted killings mean that specific people are being hurt or killed on purpose. In this case, Shia Muslims in Parachinar, Pakistan, are being targeted.
international intervention -: International intervention means that people or organizations from other countries get involved to help solve a problem. The protests are asking for help from other countries to stop the violence against Shias in Pakistan.