Hindus’ sentiments being hurt in Tando Adam: MNA

Slippers embossed with ‘Om’ being sold

LAHORE: Some shopkeepers are selling slippers embossed with "Om" in interior Sindh, causing agony among Hindu’s community there. The slippers are counterfeit product of a popular brand.  

MNA Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, who is also Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Hindu Council, the sale of such slippers is going on in Tando Adam Khan areas for the last three year on the Muslim Eid festivals.

“Some shopkeepers in Tando Adam sell shoes on which "OM" is displayed. It has been going on for three years. The objective is just to insult the sentiments of local Hindus,” Dr. Ramesh said. He asked the authorities to ban the sale of such slippers as such incidents are instilling fear and insecurity in the community. Dr Ramessh sought strict action against the culprits.

On the other hand, the Head of Operation of the brand Huzaiffa Siddique said the company have checked the product and it was a counterfeit of their brand. “We have instructed our lawyer to take necessary legal action immediately which he will initiate from Monday (today)’, he said, adding that the brand respect all the communities living in Pakistan and can never indulge in any activity that would hurt Pakistanis. Additionally, Siddique said that the company was unaware of the counterfeiting of their product in interior Sindh.

Counterfeiting is a common crime in businesses in Pakistan, said Shahzad Waheed Butt-, a practising lawyer who deals with such cases. He said famous brands counterfeit (design copies) are sold in far flung areas where counterfeiting is not reported and those who copy the brands continue their business easily. In the case of Sindh, Shahzad said that due to sensitivity of the matter and also because the MNA has raised it, it might be resolved quickly as the brand cannot afford to delay legal proceeding in the matter.