GUJRANWALA: Members of the Christian community on Monday held protest rallies and processions and blocked roads in all major cities of the province. They shouted slogans against the provincial government, police and terrorists and demanded the perpetrators be brought to justice and their community provided security.

In Gujranwala, almost all roads were blocked, while some youths looted a vehicle loaded with soft drinks on GT Road. Protesters were carrying banners and placards and shouted slogans against the government and the police. They also smashed windowpanes of vehicles and government buildings. Police restored to baton charge on Chand da Qila bypass and dispersed the protesters, while several people were injured. Several people were taken into custody on charges of looting and damaging government property. All missionary educational institutes in and around the city remained closed.

In Faisalabad, dozens of Christians besieged the entrance of the Kamalpur interchange on motorway and blocked traffic on Jhang Road, Millat and Zila Council chowks. They also damaged traffic barriers and allegedly roughed up a rickshaw driver. On Millat Road, protesters forced shopkeepers to close their shops and damaged traffic police cabins at Zila Council Chowk.

In Layyah, Christians held a sit-in in front of a Catholic church on Eidgah Road. A number of political activists, PPP office-bearers and members of the civil society also joined the protest. Christian leaders advised their community to show restraint and be peaceful. Another protest was announced for Tuesday (today).

In Muzaffargarh, scores of Christians blocked main roads leading to Multan and Jhang. They chanted slogans against terrorism and passed a resolution against the police.

Hundreds of members of Christian community in Okara gathered at Nasir Church and led a procession, beating chests and shouting slogans against terrorists. They staged a sit-in in front of the press club. The TMA administrator and JUI-F’s Haji Ihsanul Haq Salar were present on the occasion. A separate gathering was held by Christians and Muslims jointly at the church of 10/4L village.

In Bahawalpur, Christian employees of the Tehsil Municipal Administration and Bahawalpur Waste Management Company observed a strike. Christian leaders led a procession from a church in Model Town A to Farid Gate. A heavy contingent of police escorted the demonstrators who held placards and raised slogans against the government.

In Toba Tek Singh, the biggest procession one was taken out at Gojra, led by Faisalabad Bishop John Samuel, other Christian leaders and human rights activists from the Muslim community. Demonstrators said it was the government’s failure that it delayed implementation on the National Action Plan due to which Christians and Shias were being targeted.

In Kasur, wielding sticks, protesters blocked the Kashmir Chowk. They allegedly manhandled motorists who tried to cross the road, damaged plants on Ferozepur Road and later moved to Steel Bagh Mor.

Published in Dawn, March 17th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play