Saturday, May 31, 2014

Forced Marriage Reaches a Tragic End for Young Couple in Lahore By Advocate Veerji Kolhi




Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President
Progressive Hindu Allliance
A  Young Pregnant Girl is Viciously Murdered in an Honor Killing
Lahore, Pakistan

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

Lahore 'honor killing': Farzana Parveen was pregnant when she was stoned to death for marrying man she loved ... 
Wednesday 28 May 2 014 
The husband of a pregnant woman who was stoned to death by her family outside of Lahore's High Court has 
said she was killed Because the couple had married for love. 
Police official Naseem Butt said 20 members of Farzana Parveen's family attacked her and her husband with sticks and bricks in broad daylight on Tuesday before a crowd of onlookers. 
As the couple walked up to the main gate, the relatives fired shots in the air and tried to snatch her ​​from Ms Parveen, her lawyer said. When she resisted, her father, brothers and other relatives Started beating her, pelting her eventually with bricks from a nearby construction site. 
Ms Parveen, who was understood to be three months pregnant, died from severe head injuries. Her husband escaped, The Times of India has reported.
Mr Butt said the 25-year-old Mohammad Iqbal had married the while she was engaged to her cousin. She had been waiting for the High Court in the eastern city of Lahore to open when the attack took place. 
"We were in love," Mr Iqbal Told the Associated Press. He said he had formed a relationship with her ​​after the death of his first wife. 
Her lawyer, Mustafa Kharal, said her father had filed an abduction case against her husband, which the couple was contesting. 


Read more: 

Woman stoned to death by her family 'for marrying a man she loved "I simply Took her to court and registered a marriage," infuriating the family, Mr Iqbal explained. Her father surrendered after the incident and the murder Called an "honor killing", Mr Butt said. "I killed my daughter as she had insulted all of our family by marrying a man without our consent, and I have no regret over it," the father was quoted as saying by police. The incident has shocked Pakistan, with Zia Awan, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist, describing it as "shameful". "I have not heard of any caliber of such a case in which a woman was stoned to death, and the most shameful and worrisome thing is that this woman was killed outside a courthouse." The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, a private group, said in a report last month that some 869 women were murdered in honor killings in 2013. The real number may be far higher, as in many cases the family will not step forward and protect the victim.


Forced  marriages will always end in tragedy such as this.  In a Muslim country where honor killing is considered a perfectly justifiable solution to this problem, the woman victim stands no chance.  The police will do nothing and her parents will encourage that form of Islamic justice for the crime of being in love and choosing her marriage partner rather than having that choice  made for her.  In a Patriarchal society women have no voice and they have no rights. Both the man and the woman will pay the consequences for the desire to go against the societal rules and choose to marry the person they love with mutual consent to do so.  This is a tragic injustice and must be stopped!  The number of honor killings in Pakistan are at an extremely high number and the threat is very real.  IUFE thanks those who are working to bring about changes in a system that would seek the death penalty rather than simply allow a young couple in love to live a happy and enduring life together.


Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President 
Progressive Hindu Alliance

Friday, May 30, 2014

Report from Advocate Rabindra Ghosh Bangladesh Minority Watch

Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) received  information from our volunteer at Patuakhali District that on 28.05.2014 at about 2 a.m. gang of perpetrators looted valuables and gang raped one Minority Hindu women located at Sutabaria of Golachipa Upazila of Patuakhali District-Bangladesh.

I on behalf of BDMW communicated with Rafiqul Hasan Goni- S.P., Patuakhali and Shishir Kumar Pal- O.C Golachipa Police station today and came to know that one of the accused Mosharaf Hossain has been arrested by police. Vigorous attempt is going on to arrest more perpetrators - police said.
We also came to know that the victim - Ms. Papri Aich (25) wife of Mrinal Aich has been admitted to Patuakhali Medical Hospital for treatment. The victim has been put on for DNA test. I had also talked with Mrinal Kanti Aich over his cell number 01715422726 who gave me to understand that during the occurrence of gang-rape he was not present at his house and his two minor children was there, but they could not protest during the occurrence.
Name of the Perpetrators  : 1) Md. Mosharaf Hossain (23),  2) Rubel Howlader (24) and 3) Babul Palwan (25) : All of village Sutabaria of Golachipa Upazila of Patuakhali District.
Mrinal Aich husband of victim lodged first information report (F.I.R) at Golachipa police station being Golachipa P.S. case No.22 dated 28.05.2014 under section 9(3) of Women and Children Repression Act,2002 against three perpetrators.
BANGLADESH Minority Watch is very much shocked at the incident of looting, properties of Hindu House,  gang-rape of Minority Hindu women on 28th of May,2014 and we demand exemplary punishment of the those perpetrators responsible for the crime against humanity. We also demand urgent arrest of more perpetrators 

We are contemplating to investigate the matter at the spot.
With best regards,
Rabindra Ghosh
Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)
12, K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Hindus at Khodurkhil-Boalkhali Upazila of Chittagong District attacked by local Muslims By Advocate Rabindra Ghosh


Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh



Photo Courtesy of Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Hindus at Khodurkhil-Boalkhali Upazila of Chittagong District attacked
by local  Muslims mostly belonging to political party in power on
Saturday at about 4.45 p.m. Due to abrupt attack 15 man and women
seriously injured within 13 Hindu houses (koibartak para), The
attacked continued from 5:45 to 7:00pm.  Fatal  injured people have
been transferred to Chittagong Medical emergency ward. The local
political people are directly involved with this incident. Still now
police cannot do anything because of local political influence. The
hindu man and woman of those area are feeling insecurity,

Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) immediately communicated with Md.
Shamsul Islam, Officer in Charge of Boalkhali police station over his
cell number 01713373647 who initially did not admit the incident and
later on he said " This is a simple incident not religiously
motivated"  I requested him to look after the injured victims who had
been admitted into Chittagong Medical College Hospital for treatment.
Md. Shamsul Islam also said no person yet to come to lodge F.I.R. at
his police station.

I also talked with the Superintendent of Police -Chittagong over phone
today who also aware of the matter, but he did not like to speak more
and disconnected his telephone line

I also talked with Advocate Rana Das Gupta - Secretary-General of
Hindu Boudda Christian Oikkya Parishad over his cell number who also
not aware of the matter and he informed me that he will look into the
matter

Bangladesh Minority Watch is very much concerned about continuous
attacks on religious minorities and their houses and we demand
immediate arrest of the perpetrators responsible for the attacks.

Urgent Action is needed.

With best regards,

Adv. Rabindra Ghosh
Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch
12-K.M. Das Lane-Tikatully, Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Relief for the People of Village Kowara Nagarparkar By Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Zemira Eli Natan







Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality


Zemira Eli Natan's interview with Vlad Tepes  reporting on the incidents that led to the devastation of  Village Kowara in Nagarpaka. IUFE is grateful for the efforts of Advocate Veerji Kolhi And his team of volunteers and medical staff who are working tirelessly to provide relief for the victims of this region.

http://youtu.be/IgUUP8ZBC0U





Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor  Huiman Rights Commission of Pakistan
President
Progressive Hindu Alliance


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203764780310461&set=vb.1547420085&type=2&theater


https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10203764727389138&set=vb.1547420085&type=2&theater


Distribution of food, cloth & free medical camp at Village Kowara Nagarparkar....




Advocate Veerji Kolhi gathers clothing for distribution to victims

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



Advocate Veerji Kolhi Prepares Clothing  for Distribution at Village Kowara

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi




Advocate Veerji Kolhi Loads a Truck  with Clothing and Supplies

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi





Advocate Veerji Kolhi sends clothing and floor cloths to Village in Nangarparkar  People are Blessed






Volunteers join Advocate Veerji Kolhi  to bring relief to the people of Village Kowara

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi





Food is brought for the people of Village Kowara

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi's team of volunteers  greet the people with happiness and relief

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi meets with the community of Village Kowara 

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi has personally arranged a team of  volunteers to provide medical care and bring relief of clothing  and supplies  to the people recently devastated by the torching of their village.  The homes in the village with completely destroyed leaving people open to the elements of intense heat, smoke and ashes.  Without this help that was provided these people would have not had the ability to recover from such a traumatic experience.  IUFE thanks Advocate Veerji  for his efforts to protect the people of this region from harm.  He has our full support as do the people of this region.  Please take a moment to watch  Zemira Eli Natan's with Vlad Tepes to understand  the events that led to the need for relief in this region.  IUFE sends a warm Thank You to all of Advocate Veerji Kolhi's medical team and all volunteers for their efforts to save the lives of the people of Village Kowara in Nagarparkar.

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Concvenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality







Saturday, May 10, 2014

IUFE ANNOUNCEMENT - ICLA ENDORSES SHARIA WATCH UK

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

------IUFE ANNOUNCEMENT------

ICLA Endorses Sharia Watch UK

The International Civil Liberties Alliance (ICLA) has now endorsed a new British organisation called Sharia Watch UK.  The ICLA endorsement is as follows and can also be found at:
http://www.libertiesalliance.org/2014/05/10/sharia-watch-uk-website-now-online/

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Almost 100 Hindu Homes in Nagarparkar Are Torched by Muslim Extremists By: Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Zemira Eli Natan

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

NON STOP ATTACKS ON HINDU TEMPLES AND HINDU COMMUNITIES ARE COMMITTED DAILY BY MUSLIM EXTREMISTS!  THE MEDIAS ARE NOT REPORTING THESE HORRIFIC ACTS !  THIS IS CLEARLY AN EXTREMIST ATTEMPT AT ETHNIC CLEANSING!  IT CANNOT REMAIN UNNOTICED BY THE INTERNATIONAL MEDIAS OR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY!  THIS IS AN URGENT APPEAL  FOR ALL HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS WORLDWIDE WITH A MISSION TO END THIS VIOLENCE AND PRESERVE HUMANITY TO TAKE EVERY ACTION TO ASSIST THESE COMMUNITIES AND MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PUT A STOP TO THIS NEEDLESS AND SENSELESS VIOLENCE!  



Interior of Hindu Temple Destroyed by Extremists

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President
Proegressive Hindu Alliance


-----IUFE UPDATE-----

"Temples of Hindus in Sindh continuously under attacks by sectarian extremists...
A non-stop attack on the places of worship of Hindus has again been  targeted. A temple in Madiji town of District Shikar Pur Sindh idols in temple were broken and scriptures were burnt by sectarian culprits who escaped away safely from affected place.This news spread over wave of anger and sorrow in Hindu community and people of area gathered on main road .made sit in and demanded arrest of culprits..Social Activist Advocate Kalpna Devi said that "Even culprits of Larkana incident are not arrested this second incident of burning temple took place in same area.Before this incident of Madiji Temple in Larkana,Hyderabad, Deplo of Thar temples of Hindu community have been targeted by same elements...
 "
----Advocate Veerji Kolhi----





Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality


Advocate Veerji Kolhi has just posted these photos of a village in Nagarparkar that was recently set ablaze by Muslim Extremists.  It is shocking that the Government of Pakistan can allow such a horrible act to take place.  The Hindu communities living in this region are at high risk and under a serious threat.  We ask the International community to take notice of this shocking occurrence and urge that pressure be placed upon the Pakistani government to stop these assaults upon the Hindu community at once!  The Muslim Community asks  for their sentiments not to be hurt , yet they continue to commit such acts of violence and destruction against an unarmed community of Hindus who have no means to defend themselves.  What kind of justice allows a vulnerable community to be a constant target of aggression?  It can be assumed that since Political Leader Versi Kolhi was recently released on bail that this attack might have been an act of retaliation from those who do not want his influence present in the region of Nagarparkar.  In any case, there is absolutely no reason that is justifiable to terrify and devastate a community simply because there is a difference in political views, a difference in religious beliefs, or a difference in culture and values.  We are seeking immediate action by  International Human Rights Organizations  to assist in putting pressure on the Governments of Sindh and Pakistan to put a stop to this violence immediately!  This will be publicized widely and there will be numerous protests until this senseless and cruel activity is stopped!






Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of  Pakistan
President
Progressive Hindu Alliance

"Near to hundred houses of kolhi community in village kowara nagarparkar, burnt into ashes. Hundreds of people have compelled to live/passed their lives under the open sky...."


Advocate Veerji Kolhi Visits a Devasted Village That Has Just Been Torched By 
Muslim Extremists

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi




The Remaining Ashes of a Home After Fire in the Village

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


A community devestated
A young girl gathers the remainder of her families possessions from their destroyed home

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

A Community Devastated in Nagarparkar
Advocate Veerji Kolhi  meets with members of the Community

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi



The Fire is still burning as the helpless community evacuates the area

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President 
Progressive Hindu Alliance

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Investigative Report Bangladesh Minority Watch by Advocate Rabindra Ghosh

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

-----IUFE UPDATE-----

IUFE Thanks Advocate Rabindra Ghosh for this update on issues occurring in Bangladesh. His expereince speaks for itself and we congratulate him on very successful meetings in Europe.  Advocate Rabindra Ghosh has advised IUFE that the meetings were very production as to bringing awareness of the very serious issuse that are currently confronting the Hindu communities in Bangladesh. We are seeing an increasing number of very serious Temple Destruction and community destruction occurring in Bangladesh.  This is becoming too widespread for  us to ignore!  Action is demanded by all Human Rights Organizations and Governments responsible for these abhorrent acts against Hindu communities!    We can no longer accept these atrocities occurring!

Dear Friends and Colleagues,  

Fact Finding/investigation conducted by Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) on 30th of April,2014 at Bag Sitarampur Homna Upazila of Comilla District in Bangladesh relating to attacks, looting, assaulting on Hindu Minorities on 27.04.2014 on the allegation of face-book postings by Hindus defaming Islam.


Country: Bangladesh
Type of Violation: Right to Religious freedom, Right to Personal Property, Right to Life
Acts: Looting of houses and temples; Physical assault; (about 35 Hindu houses and one temples belonging to Hindus were attacked and at least)
Date of investigation: 30th April, 2014
Date of Submission to GHRD: 2ndth May, 2014
GHRD Contact: Elena Atzeni and Nazli Tuncay
Investigation conducted by: Adv. Rabindra Ghosh, Md. Firoz Hossain and Sidhu Bosu (BDMW)
1. Identity of the victim(s):
Name: 1.Sawpan Chandra Das 2. Harilal Das, 3. Prahlad Das, 4. Chand Mohan Das, 5. Shepal chandra Das, 6. Nihar Chandra Das, 7. Anil Chandra Das, 8. Dr. Durgapada Das, 9. Akhil chandra Das, 10. Ajit Chandra Das, 11. Haradhan Das, 12. Ranjit Chandra Das, 13. Niranjan Chandra Das, 14. Sreenath Das, 15. Birendra Chandra Das, 16. Priyanath Das, 17. Thakur Das, 18. Tapan Das, 19. Joydeb Das, 20. Paban Chandra Das, 21. Uttam Das, 22. Gopal Chandra Das, 23. Biswassar Chandra Das, 24. Shymol Chandra Das, 25. Banamali Das, 26. Parimal Das, 27. Nirmal Das, 28. Hari Kamal Das, 29. Amar Chandra Das, 30. Haripada Goswami, 31.Sreenath Chandra Das,32. Ranjit Das,33. Haradhan Chandra Das,                 34.Tufani Chandra Das, 35. Ram chandra Das, and others.
Age at time of event:
Under 18:                          Multiple 10 to 80 years
Citizenship:                         Bangladesh
Religion:                               Hindu
Ethnicity:                           Religous Minority
Caste:
Home address:                 Village :  Bag Sitarampur of Homna Upazila within Comilla District in Bangladesh.
Consent given:    Yes       
2. Date and place of event:
Date:                     26th April, 2014
Location:              Bag Sitarampur village of Homna Sub-district in Comilla District
3. Alleged perpetrator(s):
1Nazrul Islam (22) son of Zahangir
2. Quium (22) son of Giasuddin,
3. Mufti Nuruzzaman (55) son of not known,
4. Moulana Hedayetullah (55) son of late Sirajul Islam,
5. Moulana Shah Alam (50) son of not known,
6. Abdul Barik Master (55) son of not known,
7. Moulana Habibullah (40) son of late Mofizul,
8. Motaleb Khan Principal (55) son of not known,
9. Ebadul Mollah (50) son of Safad Ali,
10. Md. Shafi Uddin (25) son of Saidul Islam,
11. Mohammad Hanif (24) son of Younus Meah,
12. Robiullah (27) son of Abul Hashem,
13. Al-Ameen (22), son of Amir Hossain,
14. Abdul Halim (50) son of Talu Meah,
15. Moulana Sha Alam (35) son of not known,
16. Musa (34) son of Momen Meah,
17. Nurul Islam Mollah (35) son of late Abul Hashem,
18. Mohammad Kabir (35) son of Samad Meah,
19. Md. Omar Faruk (28) son of Mobarak Hossain,
20. Selim (26) son of late Alek Meah,
21. Mohammad Asik (21)  son of Md. Harun Meah,
22. Altaf (24) son of Zahed Ali,
23. Abil Meah (24) son of Abdus Samad,
24. Mufti Nazrul Islam (40) son of not known,
25. Moulana Abdul Quddus (42) son of late Nayeb Ali,
26. Abdur Rahman (38) son of Fazlul Rahman,
27. Jasim (22) son of Moslem Meah,
28. Sudan Meah (35) son of Musa,
29. Mohammad Faruk Meah Molla (40) son of Younus Momin,
30. Adil (25)  son of Rabi Meah,
31. Robi Meah (52) son of late Nayeb Ali,
32. Mohammad Giasuddin (53) son of late Mansur Ali,
33. Din Islam (25) son of Fazlul Karim,
34. Faisal (25) son of Tazul Islam,
35. Moulanna Musa (38) son of not known,
36. Md. Kabir (25) son of Venga Hossain,
37. Al-Ameen (22) son of Humayun
38. Md. Russel (22)  son of Zahed Ali,
39. Motaleb Huzur –Rampur Madrasha.
40. Faisal (25) son of Tazul Islam,
41. Saifuddin (25) son of not known.
42. Moulana Yousuf (36) son of not known.
43. Anis (30) son of Abdul Zabbar
44. Mosharaff (27) son of Abul Hashem,
45. Takkul (20) son of Motin Meah
46. Qumrul (25) son of not known.
47. Mohibul (24) son of Sahi Meah,
48. Sattar Meah son of Raham Ali,
49. Hossain Mollah (38) son of late Tara Meah.
50. Saha Alam Huzur (50) son of not known.
51. Shafique (25) son of not known,
52. Faruk (27) son of not known,
53. Mohammad Hanif (24) son of Younus Meah,
54. Helal (28) son of late Rahiam,
55. Mohammad Hanif (25) son of Raham Ali,
56. Habizul Meah (22) son of Mojibur Rahman,
57. Nazrul Islam (23) son of late Noaz Ali,
58. Yeamin (20) son of Bazlu Meah,
59. Jiban Meah (50) son of not known.
60. Rokib (35) son of late Monu Meah,
61. Farid Meah (56) son of late Abu Meah,
62. Soleman (25) son of Fazlu Karim,
63. Hamood (45) son of Hajee Mongal Meah,
64. Sadeque (28) son of Hossain Meah,
65. Ismail (25) son of Jabbar Meah
66. Kali Bhuiya (35) son of Monu Meah,
67. Imran (25) son of not known.
68. Mohammad Jalal (30) son of late Fazil Meah, and more so.
Fact of the Case:  Bag Sitarampur (Das Para) is a place within the border area of Murdnagar Upazila and Homna Upazila of Comilla District is remotest area 13 kilometres away from Homna Police station. 42 Hindu families live their home since long peacefully. On 26th April,2014 some Muslim detected a bad comment on the face-book of Uddob Chandra Das and Sreenibash Kumar Das against Prophet Hazarat Mohammad which triggered Muslim mob to agitate thousands of Muslims.On 27th April, 2014 at about 2.30 p.m. on hearing the news of alleged bad comment made by two Hindu student namely 1) Uddob Das and Sreenibash Das in the face book regarding Prophet (SM) Mohammad thousands of perpetrators belonging to Muslim from different areas assembled from different directions, armed with deadly weapons such as Ram Dao, axe, iron rod, strong hammer, cane etc appeared before Sree Sree Radha Krishna Temple of Das Para and they started throwing agitated slogans against Hindus and started to breaking, looting, arsoning, physically assulting Hindus, resulting 35 Hindus houses with a Temple demolished and desecrated within a twinkle of an eye. Due to abrupt attacks women and children belonging to Hindus fled away, some of them swimming in the “Titas” river, took shelter in the paddy fields, some took shelter nearest villages, Perpetrators demolished house, Hindu deities and looted belongings( gold ornaments, cash Taka   of Birendra Chandra Das amounting to Taka 4,00,000/-, Perpetrators also demolished houses and looted the wealth of Sreenath Chandra Das amounting to Taka 3,00,000/-, Due to attacks Ranjit Chandra Das lost properties taka 2,50,000/-, Niranjan Chandra Das lost properties worth Taka 3,00,000/- including gold ornaments, Haradhan Chandra Das lost properties worth Taka 3,20,000/-, Sree Tufani Chandra Das lost properties due to attack worth Taka 1,50,000/-, Ram Chandra Das lost properties worth Taka 1,20,000/-    and other victims namely Tapan Chandra Das, Bonomali chandra Das, Ms Suniti Bala Goswami and more 25 family members lost properties approximate  amounting to 65 to 70 million of Taka.  
Investigation:  I, Adv. Rabindra Ghosh along with Md. Firoz Hossain, Sidhu Bosu of BDMW rushed to the spot on 30th of April, 2014 and reached Homna P.S. at about 2 p.m.  The officer in charge of Homna P.S. and Inspector of Police (Investigation) accompanied us at the spot by a taxi cab. But we had to reach the spot two kilometres by foot due to bad communication facilities at the spot. We found some police personnel were patrolling the affected area, but the minority victims mostly women and children are found in a panic environment. We also interrogated the local Member of Union Parishad Md. Nayeem Mollah who resides within a radius of 100 meters away from the place of occurrence. He said “I got information about the news of face-book posting on 26.04.2014 and there was a wide circulated sentiment amongst the Muslim communities, Muslim communities hurriedly assembled and started to agitate people from different mosques and Madrasha by using loud speakers by mike urging Muslim to come to fight for religion on the same day, but I tried to settle the matter within the same communities by an arbitration and as such a delay has been caused to report the matter to the law enforcing authority” and the U.P. Chairman – Md. Abul Bashar said “I was not aware about the face book news, I got news when the perpetrators attacked the village on 27.04.2014 at the evening. During the attack I was not at the spot, I was at Upazila Complex at Homna, I got information from U.P. Member Md. Nayeem Mollah over phone on 27.04.14 while U.P. Member failed to negotiate with agitated Muslims and I informed the matter at about 4 p.m. to local police station for taking necessary action. But before the police reaches at about 4.30 most of the houses belonging to Hindus have been demolished and properties looted, one Hindu temple desecrated, deities demolished. In the meantime perpetrators decamped.” I also wanted to know from U.P. Member Md. Nayeem Mollah why delay has been made to appraise the situation on the previous day i.e. on 26.04.2014 before unfortunate incident of attack took place, he could not answer. I also interrogated most of the victims at the spot who were crying for justice and security. They totally denied the allegations of such defamation against Hazarat Mohammad (SM) by two Hindu victims (who are now in Custody in connection with case number 16 dated 28.04.14 under section 57(2) of Information Technology Act,2006 lodged by Abdullah Al-Baki- S. I. of Police, Homna P.S, Comilla.
I also talked with Md. Tofazzal Hossain Meah- Deputy Commissioner of Comilla District (Cell number 01711182946 who gave me to understand that he visited the spot and necessary foods, utensils, cash money had been distributed amongst the victims, although the help is not adequate, he has every sympathy for those victims. Further he will try to help some more funds for their survival. We also corroborated the statements of facts with other witnesses available during fact finding which had been proved to be genuine.

4. Legal status:
·         Case registered by one Ram Pada Das on behalf of other victims at the Local Homna police station being Homna P.S. case No15. 28.04.2014 u/s 6(2)12 of Anti- Terrorism Act, 2009.
·         Another case lodged by Abdullah Al-Baki – S.I of Police, Homna police station against two Minority persons Uddob Chandra Das(21) and Sreenibash Kumar Das for alleged posting of remarks against Hazrat (SM) in the face book being Homna P.S. case No.16 dated 28.04.2014 under section 57(2) of Information, Technology and Communication, Act,2006.
·         Homna Police arrested 18 perpetrators and police brought 9 perpetrators for remand till writing of this report including Uddob Chandra Das and Sreenibash Kumar Das in connection with those cases.  Both the cases are now under investigations by police.
·          


5. Case Summary:
Houses/Temples belonging to Hindus minorities were attacked,  and vandalized over Face book posting rumours at Homna Upazila of Comilla district on 27 of April, 2014 ( Almost all newspapers from  Bangladesh dated 28th April, 14 reported the case). 

At least 35 houses and one Temples of Hindus were attacked by a group of agitated Muslim men of Bag Sitarampur village of Homna Upazila in Comilla on Sunday following rumours that two Hindu boy posted something in Facebook maligning Prophet Muhammad (SM) Locals and police said that the attacks were carried out in the evening following the rumour was spread by a group of people mostly youths and continued for several hours.

Mr. Tutul Chakravorty, S.P. at Comilla could not confirm whether the posting existed on the social media website, Face book.  He, however, told the reporters “We are investigating to find any such posting on the boy’s wall”. He claimed that the situation was now under control after day long trouble as additional law enforcers were deployed in the affected area.

Md. Aslam Sikdar-Officer in Charge of Homna P.S. said that some people at the local market showed some printout of the image of a Facebook group that allegedly demeaned Islam and the Prophet. He also handed over some printed papers where there is no date and time of those printed face-book papers.

Being instigated, thousand of attackers jumped over the houses of Uddob Das,  and  Sreenibash Chandra Das and adjoining houses belonging to other religious minority , looted valuables worth Taka 65 to 70 million  who are  reportedly not responsible for posting any bad remarks in the face book.

6.  Action taken:
BDMW observer investigated the incident at the spot of attacks on minorities. They urge international human rights organizations to unanimously come forward to protect the minorities in the country.
BDMW also recommends that:-
a)       All perpetrators should be arrested very soon; the instigators responsible for not informing the situation before the occurrence on 27th April,14 to the law enforcing agencies in the name of negotiation and arbitration should be brought to book as per law.
b)      The face book matter detected on 26th April,14 has not yet been investigated; but those two victims have been sent to jail custody by the police in connection with Case No.16 dated 28.04.2014 most probably over powering anger of Muslim mob.
c)       The agitation by the Muslim attackers on 26th April,2014 canvassing, assembling unlawful manner should have been tackled by the police and local administration at that relevant time, but that was not initiated due to obvious reasons.  
d)      The perpetrators whatsoever should be punished as per law.
e)      The lapses on the part of law enforcing agencies not according any protection to victims are responsible for such occurrence should be taken into consideration cautiously.
f)       The impunity to the perpetrators is responsible for repeated occurrence of religiously motivated attacks. 
g)      The victims should be rehabilitated so that they can get back their confidence to live peacefully at their home and hearth.
h)      The arrested minority victims Uddab Chandra Das and Sreenibash Kumar Das should be freed immediately as the police did not identify the actual posting of bad remarks in the face book.
We also came back from Comilla to Dhaka on the same night at about 1 a.m
Through:
Adv. Rabindra Ghosh
Founder President-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW)
12-K.M. Das Lane, Tikatully-Wari P.S.,Dhaka, Bangladesh.

7. Case Documents:
·         Case file  by BDMW, copy of FIR, copy of paper clippings and photos.
·         News canning (The Daily Star, The New Age, The Janakantha dated 28.04.2014  The Protom Alo, dated 30.04.14 The Bangladesh Protidin dated 29.04.2014,  The Sangbad dated 29.04.2014,  and The Ittefaq dated 28.04.2014)

Document:                                                                         Date:

Case file                                                        
8. Clarification.


Advocate Rabindra Ghosh
Bangladesh Minority Watch

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality

Double Standard In The Law Concerning The Case of OM Printed on Shoes-Case Filed through Sessions Court Lahore By Advocate Veerji Kolhi and Zemira Eli Natan







Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan
President 
Progressive Hindu Alliance

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

WE WILL PROTEST AND MAKE THIS PUBLIC!
JUSTICE WILL COME FOR THIS SHAMEFUL OFFENSE AGAINST THE HINDU COMMUNITIES OF SINDH!

"When a person fails to get justice from the Court of Law, then he becomes rebel and disobedient of law. Today our Constitution Petition No: D-639 of 2014 was fixed for its hearing before the High Court of Sindh, Circuit Bench, Hyderabad, at Serial No: 194, but due to the rush of cases our petition could not reach at its number, and when we requested for next date of hearing, then the learned justice refused to give date. On the other side the mass-production and selling of the sacred word “OM” written slippers and shoes are going on in the open market. Now the followers of Hindu Dharam have compelled to come out on the roads for protest against such defamatory and derogatory act of the Easy Feet Shoes Factory of Lahore..."


In the wake  of the High Court of Sindh's refusal to give a new date for this case  it should be made very well known that we will not stop here or accept this verdict.  This verdict is a clear indication that though the justice system in Pakistan claims to address issues of Blasphemy  it must be clearly noted that it only applies to ISLAM  regardless of their claims to the contrary!  LET THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH BE ADVISED!  THIS WILL GO PUBLIC  AND INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS WILL BE NOTIFIED!  YOU CANNOT HAVE A DOUBLE STANDARD!  IF YOU CLAIM THAT BLASPHEMY  IS A CRIME THEN YOU MUST TAKE NOTICE OF THE NUMEROUS ACCOUNTS OF BLASPHEMY PERPETRATED AGAINST NON MUSLIMS AN RENDER PROPER JUSTICE!  IT IS WRONG TO MAKE FALSE CLAIMS AGAINST OTHERS AND COMMIT THE SAME CRIME WHICH YOU FIND SO OFFENSIVE YOURSELF!  IUFE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THIS ENORMOUS BREACH OF JUSTICE UNTIL WE RECEIVE A PROPER RESPONSE FROM THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH AND A NEW DATE FOR THIS CASE IS ISSUED!

ZEMIRA ELI NATAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
INTERNATIONAL UNITY FOR FREEDOM AND EQUALITY








Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality


-----IUFE UPDATE-----

Advocate Veerji Kolhi  has filed  a second notice on this case through the Honorable High Court in Hyderabad


THE GOVERNMENTS OF SINDH, PAKISTAN AND PUNJAB ARE REQUESTED TO RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE FORTHWITH!  IT IS A DUBIOUS NOTION TO ASSUME THAT PLAYING WITH THE SENTIMENTS OF HINDUS WILL BE MET WITH NO ACTION.  IF THERE IS NO RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE, ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL  THIS CASE HAS BEEN SHARED WIDELY AND AT AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.  IT WILL SURELY BE PUBLICIZED WIDELY!  LACK OF RESPONSE TO THIS ISSUE SHOWS A LACK OF COMMITMENT TO UPHOLD THE POLICIES YOU DEMAND UPON THE MINORITIES IN YOUR SOCIETY.  THERE CANNOT BE A DOUBLE STANDARD.  YOU MUST ACT ON BEHALF OF ALL CITIZENS WITHIN YOUR SOCIETY, ORTHERWISE YOU ARE MAKING A STATEMENT TO THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE PRACTICING APARTHEID.  ALL SAID GOVERNMENTS MENTIONED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE REQUIRED TO RESPOND!



Second Notice Filed!

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi





A True Leader  Speaks for the Rights of All Humanity

Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi

"Offense of Religious Sentiments of Hindus By A Shoe Factory.

Veerji Kolhi …… v/s……….. Government of Pakistan & Other
Constitutional Petition No. 693/2004

Filed on Date: March 18th 2014 In Honorable le High Court Hyderabad
First Notice Issued by high Court on same date to Government of Pakistan, Government of Sindh, Government of Punjab and Factory Owner
Second Hearing was on 29th April 2014, None of the defendants have responded to this notice. That is why the Honorable High Court has issued this second notice through District and Session judge Lahore
As a Human Rights Activist, as a citizen of Pakistan, as a Hindu and as a petitioner I request to the Government of Pakistan to please stop playing with our feelings. and respond properly as per law.
The Government of Pakistan is hereby requested to take legal action against the factory owner according law and respond on next date 15th may 2014 in Honorable High Court Hyderabad."


-----Advocate Veerji Kolhi-----


It seems there is a double standard in the law with regard to disturbing the sentiments of Hindus by placing the symbol OM on shoes.  The Pakistani government upheld that it was wrong for the Hindu community to write any form of the name of Allah during the Festival of Colors known as Holi at the time of the temple destruction in Larkana,  even though we all know  that what was written  had nothing to do with Allah.  Now, A shoe factory owner thinks it is acceptable for his factory to print the symbol of OM which represents the Primordial permeation and life force of the Universe.  This symbol which also represents the Supreme god according to Hinduism, was placed on shoes where people will purchase them and walk on dirt roads.  Needless to say, this is a deplorable act of offense against the Hindu communities of Pakistan.  It was deliberate, insensitive and  was done without regard to the feelings of those who  are often targeted for making one suggestion of or action concerning the name of Allah.   The  government of Punjab is allowing a double standard when it come s to Hindus yet allowing Muslims to commit these acts without justice. In this case a real offense has occurred.  What does that say about Pakistani society when it claims to uphold reverence for G-d?  There cannot be a double standard!  If there is a law that upholds the sacredness of G-d  ,  where the punishment is extreme in many cases, then the same should apply to everyone living within the society.  People approach G-d in different ways yet we are praying to and holding reverent the same 
G-d regardless of religion.  If we truly believe that , then there cannot be a double standard! The Law must be upheld for everyone otherwise the law that addresses these issues is pointless and in need of revising.  Advocate Veerji Kolhi has filed this case  through the sessions court in Lahore.  He will not stop there if there is no response from the Government of Punjab with regard to this incident.  This incident will not be forgotten.  The shoes must no longer be produced and a formal apology must be made to the Hindu communities for this abhorrent offense.Attacks such as this against minorities must end! Justice prevails in all cases. It will prevail in this case as well because we know know we are right! IUFE requests that the Government of Punjab respond appropriately and hold the shoe factory responsible for this offense against the Hindu Communities! Production of these shoes must stop!








Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission Pakistan
President
Progressive Hindu Alliance




Advocate Veerji Kolhi prepares to file case in Sessions Court Lahore
Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


"Today there was hearing of petition filed by me in the case of Blasphemy done by a Lahore based factory which insulted the religious sentiments of Hindus by writing OM on shoes Pakistan & Sindh Government did not submit any answer. Response in the Honorable Court summoned Punjab Government to appear in Sessions Court Lahore on 15th May 2014"


Lahore Shoe Factory making and selling shoes with OM Printed on them
Photo Courtesy of Advocate Veerji Kolhi


Advocate Veerji Kolhi
Convenor
Human Rights Commission Pakistan
President Progressive Hindu Alliance

Zemira Eli Natan
Executive Director
International Unity for Freedom and Equality