More Hindu Cremation Grounds Needed in Pakistan

Source: www.dnaindia.com
Wednesday, 25 Augest, 2010

(Photo : A Hindu woman arranges earthern lamps near to Hindu Goddesses to celebrate 'Diwali' the festival of lights, at her home in Lahore, Pakistan on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Hindus living in Pakistan are celebrating Diwali where people decorate their homes with light)

PAKISTAN : The body of a woman, who died in Lahore in June 2006, had to be kept in a mortuary for five days due to the absence of a cremation ground for Hindus in Pakistan. She was laid to rest in the Miani Sahib’s graveyard for the Muslims as a last resort. The case generated a protest in Pakistan over the lack of cremation grounds, which would allow Hindus to conduct the last rites of their loved ones as per religion.

The Pakistani government has now approved a plan to set up a cremation ground for the Hindus near the Babu Sabu Chowk, close to the Ravi river. The land has been divided into two — for Sikhs and Hindus.

Dr. Ram Chand said the availability of a cremation ground for Hindus was essential. “Though they are a minority community here, cremation rituals are part of their religious beliefs. Our leader Mohammad Ali Jinnah had assured every person who chose to live in Pakistan that they shall be free to practice their religion,” he said.