SUKKUR, Feb 24: A large number of people belonging to Hindu community blocked the National Highway near Mirpur Mathelo on Friday and demanded return of a girl of their community who reportedly eloped with a Muslim youth, embraced Islam and married him.

Her parents lodged a report at the Mirpur Mathelo police station about her disappearance. On Friday, the girl reportedly embraced Islam at the hands of Mian Shaman and Mian Aslam at the shrine of Bhirchundi Sharif where her nikah was solemnised with the youth.

When the news reached Mirpur Mathelo, a large numbers of Hindus gathered on the highway in front of the office of motorway police and blocked it by staging a sit-in.

The protesters, including Nand Lal and Ramesh Lal, alleged that the girl had been kidnapped and forced to marry a young Muslim man which was not acceptable to them.

A heavy contingent of police reached at the spot and asked the protesters to disperse but they refused.

Negotiation between police and leaders of Hindu community remained inconclusive and the blockade continued till late on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case under section 365-B of Pakistan Penal Code against the youth, his father and two unidentified people on the complaint of the father of the girl. However, no one had been arrested.—BoC