MIRPUR (AJK)/SIALKOT
Amidst protests held here, the Pakistan United Christian Movement demanded strict and immediate action against the persons responsible for the brutal killing of a Christian couple in Kot Radha Kishan on blasphemy charges.
“All of the culprits involved in burning alive of the innocent couple should be immediately arrested and tried under the Anti Terrorism Act,” PUCM Chairman A. David said. “We want a judicial inquiry into the incident. The chief justice of Pakistan should take suo moto action not only on this incident but also to ask the government on the progress and implementation of the recommendations  made by the Supreme Court in July earlier this year, regarding religious minorities.”
A David said, “Growing extremism in the country is a serious concern for the religious minorities and it very clearly shows the influence of extremist elements in our society. Every passing day is hitting the minorities with insecurity, be it forced conversions in Sindh or increased incidents of religious intolerance in Punjab particularly,” he said.
The Punjab government, he demanded, should take immediate steps to stop such incidents. The incident has once again refreshed the memories of Gojra, where Christians were burnt alive. He emphasised for initiating a swift response by the government to overcome “atrocities” against religious minorities.
“We are increasingly becoming vulnerable to the “discriminatory” laws and mob violence. if the victimisation continues, we will have no choice but to consider other options,” the PUCM chairman said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Christians in Sialkot continued their protest for the second consecutive day against the killing of the Christian couple. The protesting Christians led by Javaid Gill also staged a sit-in there. The protesters were carrying banners and placards. They were wearing black arm bandages and demanding stern legal action against the accused.