Christians again attacked in Kasur
KASUR (SANA): Tension between Muslim and Christians erupted in Kasur as at least 300 homes in a Christian village was attacked, set on fire and looted while the men were off at work Friday.
According to a private TV channel that the settlement was entirely made up of the Masih community, Masih being the surname Christians take in Pakistan.
About 250 to 300 men came and threw their things from the house. “They tried to snatch my baby and throw him into the fire,” she said. The women told a private TV that they were beaten
Children were also injured. “We don’t want reconciliation, we want justice,” said one man from the village.
Muslim villagers nearby have been accused and the Punjab government has set up an inquiry into the matter. A report is due in four days and no police report will be registered until then.
Small disputes often broke out between the two but this was the first time such open damage was done. The attackers even destroyed their electricity meters and water pumps, ravaged their kitchens and stole the jewelry they had set aside in dowries.
The people of the Christian village said that they could name all the men who attacked them.
This incident comes days after the Taliban demanded Hindus pay up a non-Muslim tax in the tribal areas, prompting urgent appeals from India for Pakistan to protect its minorities.
Abid Shakeel said,
July 8, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
The attack by Muslims on Christians and other community is not new. This attack is an eye opener for the world community that in which condition the minorities are living their lives in Pakistan. The police tried to hide the matter and tried to force the Christian community for reconciliation, so that the matter could not be highlighted in the international media and forums.
The same tactic was used in 2005 when Muslims attacked churches and christians settlement in Sangla Hill.
This attitude of the Govt. is condemnable and international community should put pressure on the Govt to take action against the culprits. In some parts of the country the minorities are ordered to pay JAZIA, a non-muslim tax. This is a dangerous situation for the Christians in particular.
Action against the extremists is required to put check on these practices.