Amarinder urges Sushma to intervene in Pakistani Sikhs' forced conversions

Chandigarh, Dec 19: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday urged Exterl Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take up with Pakistani authorities the issue of alleged forced conversion of Sikhs in a province in Pakistan to Islam. Expressing concern over reports that the Sikh community in Hangu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province had complained of such conversion, the Chief Minister said the Indian government was duty-bound to ensure that Sikhs in any part of the world are not victimized or coerced in any manner.

Pointing out that the community, which had been living in the area for more than a century, was reported to have filed an official complaint to the district deputy commissioner, Amarinder Singh said it was a serious issue, especially considering that the forced conversions were allegedly being spearheaded by a Pakistani government official.

“It is the responsibility of the Indian authorities to intervene in the matter and ensure that the said coercion is brought to an end. We are duty-bound to protect the identity of Sikhs, wherever they may be living,” he said in a statement here. (IANS)