Pakistan asked to take strict action against those responsible for Sikh beheading

New Delhi, Feb 22 (ANI): India reacted sharply and condemned the beheading of three Sikhs in Orakzai and Khyber areas of North West Frontier Province Pakistan and has urged Islamabad to take strict action against the culprit, Minister of State for External affairs Parneet Kaur speaking to media at her residence today said " Its deeply Unfortunate , we condemn the killing outrightly",

"Last time Sikhs were threatened to pay Jazia and Pakistan had said it is its internal matter, I appeal to Pakistan to take strict action" said Parneet Kaur.

Thousands of Sikh Members have been living in NWFP for over 200 years. Many of them living in Khyber are reportedly paying Jazia tax an Islamic tax collected by non Muslims.

The slain Sikh members were earlier kidnapped by the militants and later killed when their families reportedly failed to pay the ransom demand.

Expressing sympathy with the families of the killed Sikhs, Parneet Kaur told reporters that the Government has sought full report from the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

According to sources the issue of Sikh killing could also come up at the Foreign Secretary level talks on 25th February.

The beheading of Sikhs in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan - just four days ahead of a crucial meeting of the India-Pakistan Foreign Secretary meet - is likely to upset public sentiments in India .

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the highest decision-making body of Sikhs has severely condemned the beheading and strong protests and demonstrations are planned outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)