HYDERABAD, Aug 11: Hundreds of people from Kohistan, Dadu, and Hyderabad held protest demonstrations outside the press club here on Wednesday against a murderous attack on a Hindu leader.

The protesters burnt tyres outside the club. Addressing a press conference, Anjuman-i-Tajiran leaders, Masood Akram, Nabi Bux Jat, Deewan Tulsidas and Bhoojo Mal, Jhooley Lal Sheva Mandli Oderolal Association president Deewan Thako Mal, Chetan Mal and Naraindas alleged that the murderous attack on Dr Tek Chand had been made on Tuesday morning in Ahmad Khan town, Kohistan, with the intension of occupying properties belonging to Hindus.

Dr Tek Chand was seriously injured in the attack. They alleged that only two days back water machines of Dr Chand installed at his agricultural land had been set ablaze by the same people.

They said the assailaints had unleashed atrocities against people of Kohistan because they enjoyed the support of a political group. They appealed to the president, prime minister, federal interior minister, Sindh chief minister, IGP and other police officers to order arrest of the assailants to end unrest and sense of insecurity among the Hindu community.

They warned that if justice was not restored, they would extend the scope of their protest up to Islamabad. A delegation of Hindu leaders also met regional police officer Mohammad Bachal Sangari, who assured them that justice would be done.

The RPO reportedly told them that he had issued directives to the DPO in this regard. At another press conference, Seth Saman Mal, Deewan Mukesh Kumar, Hyderabad Daal Mills Association president Seth Daya Ram, Hyderabad Rice Mills Association president Seth Kishan Chand, Hyderabad Oil Mills Association president Seth Kelash and Hyderabad Brokers Association president Seth Chattan Lal condemned the attack on Dr Chand.

They regretted that an FIR had been registered in the case but no action had been taken against the accused. They said a sense of insecurity was prevailing among Hindu traders.

They appealed to the president and the prime minister to provide protection to minorities. They warned that they would close their business and block the Super Highway if the assailants were not arrested in 24 hours.