ISLAMABAD: The Indian charge de’affaires was summoned on Monday to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lodge Pakistan’s serious concern over the Jodhpur incident.

The Indian side was urged to carry out complete investigation into the matter, besides sharing information about it.

Some 11 Pakistani Hindus, including children, were found dead under mysterious circumstances in Lodta Haridasot village of Jodhpur district in Rajasthan on Aug 9.

It was emphasised that since the victims of Jodhpur incident were Pakistani nationals, it was incumbent upon the government of Pakistan to be fully aware of the circumstances under which its nationals died in India.

The Indian side was urged to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the matter, provide access to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi to the surviving member of the bereaved family, share copies of the FIR (first information report) and the initial investigation report, and facilitate the presence of the High Commission for Pakistan’s representatives during the post-mortem of the deceased persons without further delay, the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a press release.

It was highlighted that despite repeated requests by the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi, the Indian government continued to evade the issue, had disclosed only scant information about the tragic incident, and failed to share any substantive details regarding the cause and circumstances of the deaths.

Published in Dawn, September 15th, 2020