SIALKOT, Feb 17: An armed man stormed into Iqbal Manzil, the birthplace of Allama Iqbal, located in the congested Kashmiri Muhalla on Sunday and damaged rare photos, pen, inkpot, furniture and other belongings of the poet and his family members.

Iqbal Manzil In-charge Riaz Hussain Naqvi told Dawn an armed man, later identified as Ghulam Abbas of Rangpura, insisted on touring the Manzil after its visiting hours but the staff refused to let him in. Upon this, Abbas got infuriated and forced his way in. He held the staff hostage at gunpoint and damaged frames, photos, smoking pipe, pen, inkpot and furniture.

He also abused and tortured the staff and fled from the scene. Later, the police was called in who succeeded in arresting Abbas.

Sialkot DPO Afzaal Ahmed Kausar confirmed to Dawn Abbas had been arrested and was being interrogated.He said the mental health of Abbas was apparently normal. Rangpura police registered a case against the accused.

National Regulations and Services Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan expressed grave concern over the attack and demanded action against the accused.