A disturbing incident has been reported from Goth Bhatiyani, near Khipro in Sanghar District, Sindh, Pakistan. On July 4, 2024, a ten year old girl named Jamuna, daughter of a local Hindu labourer Channu Kohli, was kidnapped from her home.
According to family, the accused is Gumshad Ali, son of Mohammad Ismail Halepoto, a local Muslim landowner for whom Kohli worked. It is said that Ali entered the victim’s home and abducted her at gunpoint.
Reportedly, following the abduction, Jamuna was taken to Mirpur Goth, where she was forced to convert to Islam and marry her abductor. The conversion and marriage ceremony were reportedly conducted by a local religious leader about ten days prior to the incident coming to light.
This case has reignited concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the region and the issue of forced conversions. The vulnerability of minority communities in Pakistan, particularly Hindu girls, to abduction, rape and forced conversion is saddening. This incident has once again brought these issues to the forefront, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and stronger protections for minority rights.