BJP urges Pakistan Govt. to ensure safety of minorities in Taliban areas

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): An Indian delegation on Monday met Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Malik over their concerns about the safety of minorities in Taliban-ruled areas of Pakistan.

The delegation comprising members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Akali Dal met Malik who assured them of conveying their concerns to the authorities in Pakistan.

"Sikhs in some areas of Pakistan and Hindus in other are facing atrocities. Taliban has imposed 'Jazya'. It is a violation of human rights. In modern times, taxes like 'Jazya' are unjust and wrong. Pakistan should take note of it. It should protect its minorities and whatever wrong doing is happening, should be stopped," said V K Malhotra, senior BJP leader.

Members of the delegation said that they have given specific list of people to the Pakistan Government who have taken refuge in Gurudwara and asked the government to take proper action.

"What Pakistan said that trouble is there, but is not alarming. We have given them figures of how many people taken refuge in Panja Sahib Gurudwara. They have started fleeing and the Pakistan Government should take responsibility."

The Taliban demolished at least 11 houses belonging to the Sikh community on April 30 in the Orakzai Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan after they refused to pay 'Jazia'.

Jazia was a tax imposed on non- Muslims for their protection during the Mughal period but continues even today in some parts. (ANI)