Hindu tenant farmer shot dead in Pakistan's Sindh; Massive protests erupt in Badin

A Hindu tenant farmer was shot dead in Pakistan’s Sindh province earlier this week, triggering widespread protests by minority groups and human rights activists who have demanded swift action against the accused and greater protection for vulnerable communities.

The victim, identified as Kailash Kolhi, was killed near Talhar town in Badin district. According to local media reports and eyewitness accounts, Kolhi was shot twice in the chest by his landlord, Sarfaraz Nizamani, described as a powerful feudal landowner in the area. Kolhi died on the spot, while the accused fled the scene and remains at large.

While the motive behind the killing was initially unclear, subsequent reports suggested that the incident followed a dispute over the construction of a small hut on the agricultural land where Kolhi worked as a tenant.

Witnesses told local news portal Sindh Renaissance that Kolhi had built the shelter to house his family, which angered Nizamani, who allegedly issued repeated threats before opening fire.

The killing sparked massive protests across the Badin district, with thousands of men, women, and children from the Hindu community blocking major roads and staging sit-ins. The demonstrations were backed by more than a dozen political, nationalist, and religious groups.

Protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, registration of a case under murder and terrorism charges, and complete security for the victim’s family.

Minority rights organisations strongly condemned the killing, calling it a grim reminder of the insecurity faced by religious minorities in Sindh. Shiva Kachhi, chairman of Pakistan Darawar Ittehad, described the incident as a “brutal and cold-blooded murder” and said the killing was not just of one individual but an attack on humanity and fundamental rights. “Emergency measures must be taken across Sindh to ensure the protection of life,” protesting groups said in a joint statement.

Following three rounds of negotiations between protesters and the district administration, authorities assured demonstrators that the accused would be arrested within seven days, after which the protest was temporarily called off.

Badin Deputy Commissioner Yasir Bhatti and Senior Superintendent of Police Qamar Raza Jikani held talks with protesters led by Kolhi’s father, Chetan Kolhi, who alleged that Nizamani was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.

The Badin District Bar Association boycotted court proceedings in protest, while Sindh government spokesperson Sukhdev Hemnani termed the killing “barbaric” and said the provincial government had ordered a transparent and swift investigation.

The incident comes days after Pakistan criticised India over minority rights issues. India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the remarks, stating that Pakistan’s “abysmal” record on minority protection was well documented.