Hindu Student in Islamabad Compelled to Eat Beef by a Maulana

The Plight of the Student

In a recent news report by Pakistan Journalist Umar Cheema, a Hindu student pursuing his master's degree at the National University Of Modern Languages, was reportedly dwelling in a private hostel in Islamabad. The rest of the students had left for home, and he was by himself, where his presence was noticed by the cook of the facility. The cook was aware of his isolation in the hostel and had informed a Maulana about the same. The Maulana entered his room, proceeded to feed him beef, and further coerced him to convert to Islam altogether.

"...on Bakr-Eid, a Hindu student forced to eat beef & asked to convert to Islam by a Maulana..."

- Umar Cheema, Pak journalist pic.twitter.com/1A7ifSTG5M— Pakistan Untold (@pakistan_untold) June 20, 2024

The Significance of Beef in Hinduism

The cow is an exceedingly revered animal in Hinduism. It has come to gain a sacred status and is a religious symbol. It is said that the cow is representative of goodness and is believed to nourish all creatures. The cow is associated with deities like Shiva,  Indra, and Krishna. Even though the flesh of cattle was evidently devoured in ancient India, the slaughter of milk-producing cows was prohibited.  The consumption of beef in India is taboo for reasons pertaining to the sanctity of their religion.

Religious Tensions in the Past

To unify Hindus, a movement had revolutionized to protect cows in the 19th century in parts of northern India. It was a method undertaken to distinguish them from Muslims, where they proceeded to convey their demands to the government that cow slaughter should be thoroughly banned. This movement led to certain political and religious awakenings and gave birth to Anti-Muslim riots, which eventually led to the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

Right to freedom of Religion

Article 20 of the Pakistani Constitution outlines the right to freedom of religion or belief. This article was expanded by a Supreme Court ruling in 2014. It also ordered the government to take crucial measures to combat the discrimination. These measures included creating curricula in schools that encourage religious harmony and forming a task force to combat religious intolerance.