In response to recent Supreme Court petitions challenging Rajasthan’s anti-conversion law, a group of Hindu Sindhi immigrants from Pakistan’s Sindh province has appealed for a similar law in Maharashtra to safeguard their religious identity and cultural heritage.
Sindhu Ekta Manch Leads the Movement
The Sindhu Ekta Manch, an organization representing Sindhi immigrants and local community members, hosted a public gathering at Jaripatka, Nagpur. The event featured notable religious and community leaders, including Saijan Yudhishthir Lal Shadani from Raipur — a prominent representative of the Shadani Darbar Shrine in Ghotki, Sindh.
Leaders at the event voiced concern over rising instances of forced religious conversions and emphasized the urgent need for strong legislative protection in Maharashtra. After the meeting, a memorandum demanding an anti-conversion law was submitted to the Jaripatka Police Station.
Community Leaders Raise Concern Over Conversion Threats
“We must protect our faith and cultural roots from external influences. There is nothing above our religious identity,” said Lal, calling for unity among Sindhis to resist conversion attempts.
Veteran Sindhi leader Vijay Kewalaramani added that the community has increasingly become vulnerable to conversion ploys, urging the state government to take immediate action to prevent such incidents.
Preserving Culture and Religious Identity
Rajesh Jhambia, head of Sindh Hindi Panchayat, which supports immigrants seeking Indian citizenship, explained that many Sindhis migrate to India not for economic reasons but to preserve their culture and religion.
“Our migration didn’t stop at the time of Partition. Even today, Sindhi Hindus continue to move to India to escape religious pressure and conversion threats in Sindh,” he said.
Jhambia shared his personal experience, saying, “I received Indian citizenship in 2021 after living here for 12 years. Back in Ghotki, Sindh, we lived comfortably but constantly faced the fear of forced conversions. We left everything behind to live with freedom and security in India.”
Call for Hindu Unity Across Castes
Another community spiritual leader, Sant Lal Sai from Chakarbhata, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), urged Hindus to set aside caste divisions and stand united to oppose conversion activities and protect the future of their religion.
No Political Agenda Behind the Movement
The organizers clarified that the Sindhu Ekta Manch is a non-political, social organization, working solely to preserve Sindhi culture and religious freedom. Their mission, they said, is to create awareness and push for legal safeguards that prevent coerced or deceptive conversions across Maharashtra.
