SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
Members of the Christian community on Monday took to the streets in Faisalabad, Lahore and Gujranwala to register their protest over a Taliban attack on two churches in Lahore which left 15 people dead and more than 70 injured.
The bombings on Sunday occurred during prayers at two churches located around half a kilometre apart in the city’s Youhanabad neighbourhood that is home to more than 100,000 Christians.
Major developments today:
- One protester dead, seven injured during demonstrations in Lahore
- Death toll from twin bombings climbs to 16
- Protesters prevent MPA from entering church
- Cases registered for church bombings
- 15 demonstrators taken into custody by police in Gujranwala
- Protesters, Punjab government in discussion
The situation is now under the control of police, as fresh contingents of police have also arrived at the site of the protest.
Meanwhile, Rangers have also reached the pretest site on the directives of the Punjab Home Department. Water canons are also being used to push back the protesters.
The talks between Punjab government and Christian community have concluded successfully. Authorities have decided to form an investigation committee to probe the suicide attacks on churches in Lahore.
Chaos in Youhanabad
Protesters in Lahore’s Youhanabad area, where the twin bombings took place a day earlier, clashed with dozens of baton-wielding police personnel.
One protester was killed while several were injured when a car hit them at Ferozpur Road.
During the protest, stones were pelted at policemen holding up protective plastic shields. The police have been given instructions by the Punjab government to use tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Christian community leader Kamran Michael appealed to fellow Christians to remain peaceful.
Protesters on Monday blocked roads in Lahore, Faisalabad, Sargodha and Gujranwala. They also blocking a major highway that runs near the two attacked churches and prevented cars from driving by, said police officer Bilal Ahmad.
Approximately 100 protesters gathered at Faisalabad’s Millat road where they burnt tires and attacked a rickshaw. The protesters also blocked the Kamalpur Interchange on Faisalabad motorway.
Source: Dawn
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