Pakistan deploys troops to protect Christians after Muslim mobs set fire to churches. Photo/REUTERS
LAHORE – Paramilitary forces have surrounded a Christian settlement in Pakistan east where Muslim mobs damaged and burned several churches and a number of houses after accusing two of its residents of desecrating the Koran.
The attack took place in Jaranwala, Faisalabad industrial area on Wednesday, and continued for more than 10 hours without intervention by police who were at the scene, residents and community leaders said. Police denied the accusations, saying security forces had prevented a worse situation.
The rioters demanded that the two suspects who had run away from their homes be handed over to them.
Residents said thousands of Muslims led by local clerics carried iron rods, sticks, knives and daggers during the riots.
A statement from the provincial government said paramilitary forces were deployed to help police control the situation.
According to a Reuters TV cameraman, troops have cordoned off the Christian community, blocking all entry and exit points with barbed wire.
More than 100 people suspected of involvement in the rioting have been arrested, a government statement said, adding that an investigation had also been ordered into the incident.
2023-08-17 07:58:25
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