Type: Parliament Questions and Answers

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether ill-treatment with the Hindus is continuously taking place in Pakistan and Bangladesh;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there exists any agreement with Bangladesh and Pakistan for the protection and prestige of minorities; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken during the last three years against non-adherence to such agreement?

ANSWER: THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SMT. PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (d) Government has seen reports of unfair treatment to members of minority groups, including Hindus, residing in Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is the responsibility of the Governments of Pakistan and Bangladesh to discharge their obligations towards their citizens, including minorities. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, Government had taken up the matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and looked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community. The Government of Bangladesh has also assured us that it is committed to safeguarding minority rights.

The Nehru-Liaqat Agreement, signed between India and Pakistan on April 8, 1950 stipulates that `Governments of India and Pakistan solemnly agree that each shall ensure, to the minorities through-out its territory, complete equality of citizenship, irrespective of religion, a full sense of security in respect of life, culture, property and personal honour, freedom of movement within each country and freedom of occupation, speech and worship, subject to law and morality`. In respect of migrants from East Bengal, West Bengal, Assam and Tripura, the two Governments agreed to ensure, inter alia, freedom of movement, protection in transit, freedom to remove movable personal effects, protect the right of ownership provided the migrants came back by 31.12.1950. Under paragraph `F` of the Agreement, Governments of India and Pakistan agreed to set up Minority Commissions, `one for East Bengal, one for West Bengal and one for Assam` to observe and report on the implementation of the Agreement and to advice on action to be taken on their recommendations. After the emergence of Bangladesh in 1971, those Commissions no longer exist.

The Simla Agreement of 1972 between India and Pakistan specifically provides for non-interference in each other`s internal affairs. While no separate agreement has been signed with Bangladesh to protect the life, property and dignity of minorities, the Government of Bangladesh continues to assure us of their commitment to safeguarding minority rights.

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Pakistan
South Asia