A violent mob set more than 100 houses on fire in Pakistan’s Sindh province amid major dispute over a free-will marriage between two people from different communities.
According to Geo News and The News, the incident took place in Jacobabad district of Sindh, where a large group of armed men allegedly stormed a village belonging to the Buriro community. The accused opened fire and torched homes, forcing terrified residents to flee the area as flames engulfed the entire neighbourhood.
According to multiple families, they were left homeless overnight, while their years of savings as well as belongings were reduced to ashes.
Major violence in Pakistan’s Sindh
It all started after Sidra from the Channa community got married to Muhammad Hassan Buriro in a court in Hyderabad on May 4.
The couple later released a video statement and claimed that they had solemnised their marriage by choice. Seeking justice from the government, they asserted that they are facing threats and allegations from their family members.
This happened as multiple videos on social media showed the boy’s village being set on fire. The residents have claimed that about 400 armed men attacked the village.
Malhar Buriro, the groom’s father, has question why the girl’s family members were punishing the entire community over the marriage.
“Hundreds of armed men attacked and burned down homes while villagers could do nothing because of the heavy gunfire,” Geo News quoted Buriro as saying.
In connection with the incident, police registered a case against 32 suspects under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act, while five people were taken into custody and raids were carried out to apprehend the remaining accused.
Senior Superintendent of Police Faizan Ali said investigation is underway and security had been tightened in the area following the incident.
Bride’s father makes big claims
Further complicating the matter, the bride’s family has claimed that the girl was underage.
In a separate video, the girl’s father alleged that his daughter is 14 years old, which means that the marriage is in violation of the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act. Not just that, he has even accused the groom’s side of abducting both his 14-year-old and four-year-old daughters.
he has claimed that police has filed a complaint in this regard, but nothing has been done so far as both his daughter are missing.
However, the bride has denied her father’s claims and said she was 20 years old and not underage. She added that she did court marriage by her own free will and did not brought anyone with her.
Taking note of the entire matter, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed police officials to take strict action against all those involved.
Termed the burning of over 100 homes an “inhuman and intolerable act,” Shah sought an immediate report from the commissioner and DIG Larkana Division.