In The Face of Temple Destruction Advocate Veerji Kolhi Reflects on Proper Action By: Zemira Eli Natan

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Every day a new incident is reported in Sindh.  More Hindus are arrested for crimes they have not committed.  The authorities of the land take no action to defend them.  The International community is silent.  Human Rights Organization do not address these issues because those who are leading these organizations have alterior agendas.  Who will be the voice for the voiceless?  How will these communities rebuild their lives after this kind of devastation has happened to them?  It is morally and ethically wrong to ignore there desperate outcry for justice!  They did nothing to provoke such a violent response.  They do everything to avoid  it.  There is a time when the world can no longer be silent.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi has particpated  in many protests and has also arranged more.  It is critical that his voice is heard and the voices of his community to stop this discrimination!  This is unjustifiable oppression and action is being taken to let the world know  that it is happening!.  We will never be silent in the face of such destruction  and lack of regard for Humanity!  There is no human being that has the right to deny another human being living space!  To behave this way is an act of inhumanity  and obstruction of Justice!  Versi Kolhi, Ashok and Neshwar are still in custody on false charges of Blasphemy!  They are held without Bail!  They are not guilty!  It must be exposed very clearly that these events were were planned against the Hindu communities of Sindh.  It is not likely  that any Hindu would put their communities at risk and cause such a violent reaction themselves.  IUFE DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR THE HINDU COMMUNITIES OF SINDH!  Just think for a moment.  How will they rebuild their lives?  How will they recover and what help can they receive to free innocent victims of a terrorist minded agenda! Why is it so natural to place fear in the hearts of innocent people?  Why is peaceful dialogue and true investigation into the matter not an option?  Those who claim to be peaceful work in every way to preserve that peace!  Where is the action on the part of the government of this land to preserve that peace?  IUFE DEMANDS THE RELEASE OF ALL HINDUS FALSELY CHARGED IN RELATION TO CHARGES OF BLASPHEMY!

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

"Today I am seriously thinking....  Is this the same Sindh?  Where is secularism and where are my secular minded brothers? Who says we are indigenous?  Who says we are the owner of this Land?  Actually, there is no space for breathing."

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

Protesting the Destruction of Three Hindu Temples in Hyderabad and Unlawful Arrests of Hindus

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

STOP DEMOLISHING TEMPLES IN SINDH!

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Student Protest University of Sindh

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Larkana Temple Destroyed in Sindh By Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Zemira Eli Natan

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
President
DAMAN

****IUFE UPDATE****

"Neodumbalo, taluka matli, district Badin, a child wrote his name on road playing holi "ashok kumar" maulvis putting fatwa on him saying he Has made blasphemy by putting the name of Allah on road which was not actually Allah but ashok kumar and they r also threatening to burn the village 

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
IUFE


http://youtu.be/XRb_ClF5YNc

http://indianexpress.com/article/world/asia/hindu-temple-set-on-fire-in-pakistan-over-alleged-blasphemy/

One of the most heinous acts is to destroy a place of worship.  News reached IUFE that the Larkana Hindu Shrine in Hyderabad was set ablaze by an angry mob who claimed the man, a Hindu from the city of Hyderabad burned pages of the Koran.  Many accusations are made against non Muslims in Pakistan.  It is a way of settling personal vendettas.  It is also a way to strike fear in the society and create turmoil in a peaceful existence,  This peaceful existence was an essential part of Sindhi culture.  Hindus in Pakistan play a large role in the society of Pakistan.  They serve their rulers who continuously dominate them, accuse them, enslave them and oppress them,  Hindus do not enjoy equal rights in Pakistan.   They are not considered citizens within the society so they are subject to every form of oppression.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi is one of the few Hindus that is highly respected among Muslims in Pakistan.  His work for religious harmony is well known.  His friends are many from all over  Pakistan and India.  He has international connections and works very hard to promote world peace and respect for all religions.  Imagine Advocate Veerji Kolhi's shock and anger when he learns that the Hindu Shrine in Larkana was set on fire.  He wasted no time to arrange a protest for this horrific act which crosses every line of morality and decency.  Would it be enough for the Pakistani Government to apologize and rebuild this Holy Temple which has a very ancient history?  The Temple is now destroyed!  The people are angry and devastated and curfews are set in place because of the incident.  Why should any community be left to endure this kind of an offense and be left with little means to defend themselves?  This incident crosses the line with regard to Human Rights Violations!  The Pakistani Government is put on Notice!  This incident is well documented and very well publicized.  All Human Rights Organizations will be notified.    It is highly questionable that the Hindu man accused with Blasphemy is guilty of breaking any law especially one such as destroying the pages of the Koran.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi has shared photos of the protest on the destruction of this temple.  An IUFE Update will be posted with Advocate Veerji Kolhi's statement on this incident.  IUFE joins the protesters with full support for their efforts to bring awareness and their demand to stop religious extremism in Sindh and all over the world.

Advocate Veerji Kolhi at Temple Destruction Site in Larkana

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi at Hyderabad Press Club
Protest Against Larkana Temple Destruction

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi Organizes Protest for Larkana Temple Destruction

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Many Friends Join Advocate Veerji Kolhi in a March for Justice 

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Krishna Lal Sends A Clear Message to Stop Religious Extremism

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi 

President

DAMAN

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Blasphemy Charges against Hindus in Sindh by Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Zemira Eli Natan

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
President
DAMAN

*****IUFE UPDATE*****

"After the incident in Larkana against non Muslims by burning their worshiping place , looting shops, another event has took place in Badin. 

Three non Muslims have been arrested under the charge of Blasphemy in District Badin, Sindh.   Three Hindus were arrested under the charge of writing sacred names on the road with the colors.  During these rumors thousands of people with lethal weapons gathered around the colonies of Hindu residents. Fear spread over among non Muslims.  Within two days, the majority of the population vacated villages due to threats of setting fire these villages. Upon the investigation of police it was reported that abstract colors on the road do not show any deliberate act of writing sacred names.  This means while police took three accused Versi Kolhi( a social activist,he contested last election for MPA ) Naresh and Ashok of Meghwar tribe after the few days of stress in the area on the pressure police registered FIR under Blasphemy Law

                                                        (295-A PPC)against them."

 ----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Versi Kolhi is accused of Blasphemy! As a false charge Versi Kohi , Naresh and Ashok are falsely accused due to tension related to the destruction of the Larkana Temple in Hyderabad.  Rumors spread wildly about sacred names of Allah written in colors on the road.  Thousands of people surrounded a very vulnerable Hindu Community and taking three innocent men into custody on charges of Blasphemy.  Threats ensued to burn down a village when no trial has convicted anyone from the Hindu Community of any crime by court of law!    This is not the only charge made.  A child allegedly wrote sacred names in colors While celebrating the Hindu Festival of Holi. This has not been proven as fact!  It is also alleged that a Hindu man charged with Blasphemy accidentally burned pages of the Koran.  The fact remains NONE OF THESE CHARGES HAVE BEEN PROVEN AS FACT!  Those who have been accused have not even been to court on these charges!  Entire Hindu communities are threatened because the charge is placed upon a few individuals and all without solid proof that they are guilty!  None of these people have received any conviction in any court of law!  Why are armed threats against an entire Hindu community being made?  Advocate Veerji Kolhi has briefed IUFE on the ongoing conflict and has met with Civil Society to organize protest!  Versi Kohi, Naresh and Ashok are innocent of any crime!  It is against every sense of morality to accuse innocent people of a false charge of Blasphemy!  It against the basic Human Rights and a crime against Humanity to burn down entire villages becuase of a difference of religious beliefs!  These incidents will be well publicized!  The Pakistani Government is put on notice not to continue the unnecessary violence!   These communities will be protected and watched very closely!  It is becoming beyond  any normal human response to make such wild accusations based only on rumors!  A system that makes such charges is clearly not adhering to the Constitution of Pakistan which protects the rights of Religious Minorities!

IUFE DEMANDS THE RELEASE OF VERSI KOLHI, ASHOK AND NARESH!

Versi Kolhi
New Dumbhalo, Taluka Matli District Badin


Ashok and Naresh

Meghwar

Copy of FIR under blasphemy law 295-A, Against HOLI celebrators, Versi Kolhi & others...

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

FIR filed Against Versi Kolhi, Ashok and Naresh Page 1

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

FIR Filed Against Versi Kolhi, Ashok and Naresh Page 2

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi

President

DAMAN

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Destruction of the Famous Aasthana of Fakeer By: Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Zemira Eli Natan

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

****IUFE UPDATE****

Advocate Veerji Kolhi has given the following updated report on this incident:

"Today, early in the morning at 6 am, five people attacked famous Aasthana of Fakeer Paarbraham in the village Verhi Ihap, Taluka Diplo. They broke statues and then took the statues with them. I have registered the FIR 20/2014 at police station Diplo u/s 295, 380 PPC, against Allah Wasayo s/o Porho, 2. Allah Bux s/o Mithu, 3. Jein s/o Khameso, 4. Molabux s/o Porho/Jumo, 5. Sardar s/o Mohammed all by cast parrha, r/o diplo city, Police has arrested four people...  one Allah Bux s/o Mithi has not been arrested"

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

 Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

"No  Morti (Statues) are left in Par Barhm Historical Temple. Only the foot steps of  the culprits  are there, which are covered by Poojari"

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

In a recent case  occurring only just this morning one man is taken into custody for the destruction of a 3rd Hindu Holy Shrine in a matter on one week.  Three other men participated in the destruction but they are not yet in custody.  It is shameful that no case has been registered as of yet.  Is there no justice for crimes against humanity?  How long will this continue until the Pakistani Government and Police are willing to take action for this violation of law?  The acts are often condemned after they are are committed.  Yet, there is no justice for such crimes.  Instead, Hindus are taken on false charges of Blasphemy and killed.  How does the Pakistani Government and Police think that such actions as destroying a communal place of worship is not an equal offense as they claim that Blasphemy is?  What kind of value system is in place that would allow this?  These attacks are occurring against the indigenous people of the land!  Where is the justification to continue to terrorize a Hindu community?  Surely Hindus respect the country in which they live!  This is discrimination and it is unjustifiable!  Religious Extremism is no way to encourage a positive  sense of citizenship within a nation.  Rather, it defiles the very notion of a peaceful coexistence. The message that is being sent to the world  when such heinous crimes take place is that the world is only accepting one group of people over another and that citizenship has no meaning in a land governed by Extremists.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi has said, " The world can be a better place."  Yes it can!  But, this takes hard work and determination to manifest.  It takes willingness and personal initiative.  Most of all, it takes strength of character, integrity, and respect for all human beings!  Truly these qualities are sorely lacking in Pakistan.  IUFE demands justice for the three temples that were destroyed and the conviction of all perpetrators of these crimes to the full letter of the law.  An act that is condemnable demands immediate justice!

"

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
President
DAMAN

"Today, early in the morning at 6 am, Mr Wassayo s/o Porho, caste Paarrho and three other persons attacked the famous Aasthana of Fakeer Paarbraham in the village Verhi Jhap, Taluka Diplo. They broke statues and then took the statues with them. Police has arrested Mr. Wassayo but no case has been registered as yet.."

Advocate Veerji Kolhi Grieves the Destruction of the famous Aasthana at Fakeer Paarbraham

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi











IUFE SUPPORTS ADVOCATE VEERJI KOLHI IN HIS EFFORTS TO BRING JUSTICE FOR THESE CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

Temple Destruction in Hyderabad-Advocate Veerji Kolhi Takes Action By Zemira Eli Natan and Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

****IUFE UPDATE****

PROTEST RALLIES ARE NOW IN PROGRESS OVER THE DESTRUCTION OF HINDU SHRINES IN PAKISTAN AND HAVE BEEN ORGANIZED BY ADVOCATE VEERJI KOLHI

Advocate Veerji Kolhi At Press Club Hyderabad

 Protest Rally against attacking Hindu temples in Sindh

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Photos Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

"Protest rally from Kalimata Temple to Press Club Hyderabad"

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

Two Hindu Temples have now been destroyed in Pakistan!  Advocate Veerji Kolhi immediately took action to working with other Advocates and Civil Society members to raise complaint for this unforgivable crime against humanity.  Several Hindu Villages are under threat of continued attack by Muslim Extremists.  There are no words to describe how heinous this crime is against the Hindu communities living in Pakistan.  All Hindus should unite in grief for the destruction of this historic and ancient Temple to Kali Maata. All minorites should unite to make all efforts to demand the end to unlawful persecution of this caliber. The incident raises  the concern that all non Muslims are at serious risk at the whim of extremists who refuse to be tolerant toward others.  False charges of Blasphemy are commonplace and victims are often put to death without fair trial in a court of law. Versi Kolhi, Ashok and Neshwar Meghwar are still in custody under the false charges made against them for Blasphemy!  IUFE demands that they be released immediately! An International coalition is in full support of Advocate Veerji Kolhi and all those making efforts to bring justice to this horribly insensitive act!  What right does anyone have to infringe on the beliefs of others?  What right does a new culture have to infringe on the rights of a culture that is thousands of years old!  The Hindus of this region have a 5,000 year old legacy that  has been violently attacked by destruction of Holy shrines , abduction and accusation of innocent human beings!  The violations against the Hindu Communities of this region are numerous  and the only response is , "We condemn this act and perpetrators must be brought to justice!"  It is NOT ENOUGH to condemn the act!  It should not have taken place at all!  It brings no solace to condemn a despicable act once it is already committed!  Advocate Veerji Kolhi has provided an English Version of the FIR filed on this incident!  IUFE requests the international community to take notice and action to force the Government of Pakistan to bring the perpetrators to justice!

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
President
DAMAN

"COMPLAINANT/POOJARI, KRISHAN KUMAR S/O BABU MEGHWAR FIR CRIME NO: 36/2014 UNDER SECTION 295A, 436, 34 PPC, 6/7 ANTI TERRORISM ACT (TRANSLATION FROM URDU TO ENGLISH)

It is reported that I am a resident of above mentioned address and also the chairman of the kaali maata temple. It is reported that Today , Friday 28-03-2014 at 6:30 am, My neighbours named: Billu s/o Tejo , ramoodo s/0 aajoro and I were worshiping asusuall at the HANU MAAN TEMPLE , All of a sudden three unknown persons wearing shalwar suits entered in the temple and one of them lighten up the AGAR BATTI . They were acting like they had come the temple for the purpose of worship but suddenly all three men destroyed the statue of HANU MAAN JI and put it on fire by throwing petrol. As all the three men were armed and took their weapons (pistols and guns ) out. When we tried to catch them they ran away saying that they would fire bullets if anybody would come to follow them. They escaped toward the fateh chowk in the silver colored Toyota corolla car having no number plate. Afterwards we approached the nearby police station and registered the FIR that Three unknown armed men abused our temple and destroyed the statue of HANO MAAN JI and afterwards put it on fire by throwing petro. I can recognize/identify all the three men if taken in front of me...."

----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----

Advocate Veerji  grieves  the Destruction of the Holy Shrine of Kali Maata

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi Files FIR for Temple Destruction

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

FIR File In Process

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Ramesh Kumar Gupta take action to address Temple Destruction

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Copy of FIR Part 1

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Copy of FIR Part 2

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

IUFE WORKS TO STOP UNLAWFUL PERSECUTION OF MINORITES

Zemira Eli Natan

Executive Director

International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Advocate Veerji Kolhi

President 

DAMAN