India expresses concern to Pakistan over abduction of Hindu girls

New Delhi: India has expressed its "serious concern" to Pakistan over abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Hindu girls against their will to Muslim men in that country.

A demarche was made to Pakistan in this regard on May 8 to convey India's expectation that the government of Pakistan will look after the well-being of its minority communities and discharge its responsibilities in that regard.

Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed on Thursday told the Rajya Sabha that the Government has from time to time come across reports on the problems faced by members of the minority communities in Pakistan.

India has expressed its concern to Pakistan saying it should look after the well-being of its minority communities.

"According to reports, a Pakistani TV channel, ARY Digital, telecast a programmee on July 26 during which a person, reportedly a Hindu, was converted to Islam," he said in a written reply.

Ahmed said it is the responsibility of the Pakistan government to discharge its obligations towards its citizens, including those from the minority community.

However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, the Government has in the past taken up the matter with the government of Pakistan, he said.

"The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully congnizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of its citizens, particularly the minority community," he said.

With regard to abduction and forced conversion, Ahmed said, "India's concerns on the matter of abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Hindu girls against their will to Muslim men in Pakistan have been conveyed to Pakistan side."

He said the Pakistan side responded that the government is seized of the matter and the Supreme Court has taken up the issue and that full protection is provided to minorities.

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