February 10, 2003	Monday	Zul Hijjah 8,1423

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QUETTA, Feb 9: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Mir Mohammad yousaf on Sunday said his government would fully protect the lives and properties of the minorities in the province and killers of the four persons murdered in an attack on a liquor shop on Saturday would be arrested soon.

Talking to the relatives at their residences of the persons murdered by unknown armed men, he expressed shock and sorrow over the incident and said those who were involved in the killing of innocent people would not be spared.

The chief minister said the government would deal sternly with those who wanted to disturb the law and order situation. “Nobody would be allowed to destroy the peaceful atmosphere of the province,” Jam Yousaf warned.

He expressed the hope that the Hindu community would remain peaceful.

He said the government would fulfil its obligations regarding protection of the minorities.

He directed the inspector-general of police that all possible steps should be taken for early arrest of those involved in the killing. He said thorough investigation should be conducted into the incident so that the accused could be exposed.

The chief minister announced grant of Rs100,000 for the heirs of each of the persons killed while the two injured would get Rs50,000 each.

Provincial Home Minister Sardar Sanaullah Zahri also visited the residences of the victims said Islam taught giving full protection to the minorities and the government would fulfil its obligations in this regard.

He directed the administration and law enforcement agencies to arrest the culprits without any delay and said he would not tolerate any negligence in this regard.

Last rites of the deceased were held on Sunday evening.

The bodies were brought to the Shamshan Ghat by a procession, led by representatives of the Hindu community. Hundreds of people participated in the procession.

The participants of the procession marched on the roads carrying placards and banners inscribed with slogans calling for end to terrorism, making Quetta a crime-free city, protection for minorities and arrest of the killers.

The Hindu community observed a strike in protest against the incident and kept the shops and businesses closed.

Reports from Sibi, Mastung, Usta Mohammad, Kalat, Khuzdar, Bela, Hub, Loralai and Chaman say the Hindu community observed shutter-down strike to mourn the death of four persons of their community.

A member of Balochistan Assembly, Basant Lal Gulshan, condemned the incident and termed it a terrorist act.

He said it was the first incident of its kind here and if the government did not take serious measures in this regard, such attacks could increase.

He said if the minorities were not given protection, they would have no option but to shift to other places.

The MPA said the attack was not a dacoity attempt and several thousand rupees were recovered from the pocket of the owner of the shop.

However, police officials have claimed that it was a dacoity attempt in which armed men killed four persons and injured two when they offered resistance.

No arrest could be made in connection with the incident. The police have registered a case against unknown persons.

The IG said he thought it was a dacoity attempt but the police was investigating all aspects. He expressed the hope that the assailants would be arrested soon.

The chief minister has suspended the deputy superintendent of police and the SHO of the police station concerned in connection with the incident.

The IG has constituted three teams for investigation into the case.