THIS is apropos of the recent reports about the migration of Hindu families from Sindh to India. I have been serving in Sindh for the last two years as assistant commissioner, and at presentl posted as AC, Dahrki, Ghotki district.

My observations about persecution of Hindu families are entirely different from what has been projected in the media. I have frequent interactions with Hindu community. The majority of the members of Hindu community in cities is educated and belongs to the middle and the upper middle class. They are well assimilated in society, and have good businesses in all economic sectors and have strong social and economic relations with the local landed elite. They have freedom of worship. For example, in Dahrki tehsil alone there are many Hindu community and worship centres, one of the most popular is the recently built Sain Sunt Ram Das complex, comprising a huge temple, a medical complex and community centres.

Even devotees from India quite often visit this place. It all shows that the Hindu community is prospering economically and socially.

I have also not observed any discrimination at the government level with the Hindu community. They are well-regarded as patriotic.

However, this is another aspect that some of the Hindu business families have relatives in India and they like to settle there to explore further economic opportunities. The migration of a few families does not mean that Sindh has become a hostile place for Hindu families. If some families are complaining against the law and order situation, they then must understand that it is the same for all.

RAO ATIF RAZA Assistant Commissioner Dahrki