Alarmed at the growing incidents of kidnapping of Hindus in Pakistan's Sindh province, an alliance of minority organisations has said the killing of a Hindu engineer has led to 'widespread insecurity' among religious minorities.
"It is sad and shocking to know that Geeresh Kumar was killed ruthlessly and his decomposed body was found by the
police in an industrial area of Kotri in Sindh two days ago," Shahbaz Bhatti, chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance said.
Kumar was reportedly kidnapped by activists of militant outfit Harkat-ul-Mujahideen and later murdered.
Bhatti said the involvement of jihadi outfits in the brutal killing of Kumar is 'worrisome and has led to widespread sense of insecurity among religious minorities'.
"This is barbaric act of violence, which should be condemned at all levels," he said.
"These militant organisations are committing violence and acts of terrorism to create anarchy in the country. Such acts are tarnishing the image of the country and hampering the peace building efforts," Bhatti said.
He said that there is greater need of national unity and solidarity among every section of society to curb the roots of terrorism.
The APMA leader said the growing incidents of kidnapping of Hindu community in Sindh are alarming. "In this course, families of victims find it difficult to cope with the loss of loved ones and have to face other problems as well, including continued harassment and threats, fear for themselves and their children and economic uncertainty."
Sindh Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim has, meanwhile, denied the possible involvement of Harkat-ul Muhajideen in the kidnap and killing of Kumar.
He said the incident could be a result of some personal enmity or an activity aimed at exctracting ransom through his kidnapping.
"I don't think any militants are involved in this crime. What benefit can a Jihadi organization extract from this," he was quoted as saying by Daily Times.
However, he said the case needs a thorough investigation to ascetain facts.
The remains of Kumar' body were handed over to his relatives at the Hyderabad civil hospital on Thursday.
Earlier, a medical board conducted autopsy on the body under the supervision of local civil judge Adam H Singhar.
The family also reportedly delivered some items used by Kumar to the medical board for the DNA test. Though the autopsy report is still awaited, officials said Kumar was subjected to severe torture during capitivity.
Shops in Kumar's home town Kunri remained closed on Thursday to mourn his death.
