Hindu Tribals Being Prevented from Cremating Their Dead in Pak's NWFP

May 7, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: Daily India/ANI

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/237768.php/Hindu-tribals-being-prevented-from-cremating-their-dead-in-Paks-NWFP

Muslims are reportedly not allowing Hindu tribals living in Kurram, Hangu, Orakzai and Kohat tribal areas to perform the last rites of their dead at the 'Shamshan Ghat' approved by the Britishers in the pre-Independence era.

The Hindus, who have been living here for centuries, had sought permission for cremating their dead in the mountains of Alizai area, which, according to them, was being used as 'Shamshan Ghat' with the approval of the Britishers.

The Nazim of union council Alizai Iftikhar Hussain had on Monday inaugurated the place for cremating the bodies, but the local elders stopped the ceremony, saying they would give permission after discussing the matter in a jirga, reported the Dawn.