Seeking protection: Religious minorities demand enhanced security

Meet SSP operations for increased police deployment

PESHAWAR: Following the twin bombing by militants on churches in Lahore, minority representatives have demanded increased security for their places of worship in K-P’s provincial capital.

Officials said a delegation met SSP Operations Dr Mian Saeed at his office on Tuesday and asked the officer to enhance security measures. Saeed assured the delegation of the police force’s complete support while also discussing the possibility of hiring services of volunteer guards at churches, temples and Gurdwaras.

“The SSP assured minorities the number of police personnel at holy places would be increased,” said an official, requesting anonymity.

At least 17 people were killed and more than 70 others injured when two Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan suicide bombers attacked the churches in Lahore on Sunday.  The bombing took place as prayers were under way at the two churches located around half a kilometre apart in Lahore’s Youhanabad neighbourhood. The area is home to more than 100,000 Christians,
officials said.

The incident sparked mob violence in the Punjab capital.  Up to 4,000 people armed with clubs took to the streets and smashed vehicles in addition to attacking a bus station. The outburst was a rare show of violence from the Christian community. The protests continued on Monday, resulting in the death of another person. Police dispersed the protesters with the use of tear gas and batons.

The twin suicide bombing was the deadliest attack on Christians in Pakistan since the devastating attack on All Saints Church in Peshawar in 2013.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 18^th, 2015.