Angry Muslim mob loot, destroy Christian houses in Pakistan
2 Jul 2009, 1632 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Lahore, July 2 Over six hundred Muslims attacked Christians in Bahmniwala village in Kasur District of Pakistan after local mosques urged them to unite and "teach a lesson" to the Christians.

Angry Muslim mob, after accusing of blasphemy, destroyed Christians' houses, looted valuables and tortured Christian men and women ruthlessly.

At least 110 Christian families, almost 700 people, were forced on Tuesday night to flee the village. The families sought safety in the fields surrounding their village.

However, locals said the problem started when a Christian boy, Arif Mashi, was travelling on a tractor and asked a Muslim boy, Muhammad Riaz, to allow him to pass. When Riaz refused, the two quarrelled.

Following this incident, on Tuesday night, a mob attacked houses of the area's Christian community with petrol-bombs, destroying their electricity meters and thrashing any Christians they found., the Daily Times reported.

On Wednesday, the Muslim community refused to communicate with the Christian community, boycotting their businesses. The Christians who returned to their homes found they had no electricity or drinking water the entire day.

"Despite the presence of police, the mosques continued to urge a complete Christian boycott," Sohail Johnson, chief coordinator of the Sharing Life Ministry, said.

Human Rights and Minority Affairs Minister Kamran Michael said he had asked officials of the Revenue Department to compile an estimate of the loss suffered by the Christian community. He said justice would be ensured, adding the government would investigate the people responsible for turning the incident into a religious issue.

A committee comprising Christian and Muslim elders of the area, led by Kasur District Coordination Officer (DCO) Abdul Jabbar Shaheen, was formed on Wednesday to look into the matter and negotiate a peace deal between the two groups. (ANI)

Related Latest

McCullum spurred New Zealand thrash Pakistan by 64 runs in second ODI VHP demonstration against dictum of Muslim clerics on Vande Mataram Pakistan has links to LeT terror plots in India, says Chidambaram Australia must join Muslim Asia or perish, warns Taliban publication Muslim clergies dictum on Vande Mataram evokes protest Christian protests over 'transsexual Jesus' play Pakistan Fashion Week kicks off defying Taliban with skin show Iran seals 'zero point' at Pakistan border Irate mob goes on rampage after road accident in Lucknow India-Iran to discuss Pakistan sponsored terrorism

Related Latest

Chemicals used in industrial applications may affect cholesterol levels Now, video game that improves intelligence How to include aging population in the technology revolution Chemical that regulates circadian rhythm identified Here's how you can shoot the perfect free throw Meet Liam Gallagher, the footie star Gerard Butler desperate to remain true to his Scottish roots Thandie Newton fell in love with hubby at first sight Russell Brand tired of "Googling" himself Two police officers embark on bicycle rally to spread message of unity

• Now, video game that improves intelligence
• Chemicals used in industrial applications may affect cholesterol levels
• How to include aging population in the technology revolution
• Chemical that regulates circadian rhythm identified
• Here's how you can shoot the perfect free throw

• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights
• Nine tips for nine nights
• need new prevention tech for HIV, other STIs and UP
• "Good health is India's basic need": Easier said than done Mr Prime Minister!