Violent protests erupted in a Christian neighbourhood of Surjani Town on Sunday after the opening of a licensed liquor shop for the minority community. The protest resulted in damaged vehicles, including a police mobile, and injuries to four individuals, including a police officer.
According to reports, local residents became incensed when a wine shop was established in the Christian Mohalla of Surjani Town. They gathered outside the liquor shop, initially voicing their opposition to its presence.
However, tensions escalated when the shop staff fired shots into the air to disperse the protesters, further fueling their anger. Subsequently, the protesters entered the liquor store and engaged in acts of vandalism. When a police mobile van arrived at the scene, the protesters began pelting stones at it, resulting in injuries to four individuals, including a police officer, as well as damage to five vehicles, including the police van itself. Fearing for their safety, the police officers present in the van fled the scene.
Police officials have confirmed that the liquor shop was vandalized by the protesters, who also resorted to violence against individuals and homes.
A police contingent was deployed to the neighbourhood, where assurances were provided to the protesters that the wine shop would no longer operate. Subsequently, the protesters dispersed peacefully.
Authorities clarified that permissions for opening liquor shops for the minority communities are granted by the Sindh Excise Department, not the police.
On June 15, the Christian Unity Committee filed a petition at Surjani police station, reporting that unidentified individuals were demanding extortion money from the liquor shop and threatening to cause harm if their demands were not met. They requested police protection in response.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 19th, 2023.
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