Paying homage: Grief over APS massacre holds no religious boundaries

Prayers held at St Michael’s Church and Gurdwara Bhai Fatah Singh

PESHAWAR: The Army Public School attack has left a mark on the collective conscience of adherents of all faiths. Amidst vigils and protest rallies, two separate prayers were held at St Michael’s Church and Gurdwara Bhai Fatah Singh in the city in memory of the victims on Sunday.

A large number of people had gathered in the lawn of St Michael’s Church where Father Younas Riaz led the prayer proceedings and addressed the gathering.

“This year we will not decorate our church for Christmas in order to honour the victims of the APS massacre,” he said.



He added militants are enemies of humanity and religious circles should work towards promoting tolerance and brotherhood amongst the people. “Every religion emphasises caring for humanity,” he said.

Riaz urged the government to ensure the security of churches during the Christmas season.

“We will not wear new clothes on Christmas,” Beenish George, a local, told The Express Tribune. Michael Latif, a schoolteacher, said “The attack reminds us of the tragedy of All Saints Church from the previous year. We will not forgive the killing of innocent children,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sikhs organised a prayer at Gurdwara Bhai Fatah Singh and appreciated the government’s decision of lifting the moratorium on capital punishment.

Worship leader Shamdish Singh, Pakistan Sikh Community (PSC) Chairman Radesh Singh Tony and other leaders were present on the occasion.

Portraits of APS victims were hung in the gurdwara and the prayer lasted for 48 hours.

While talking to The Express Tribune, Tony said his community dedicated the day in the memory of those who died in the barbaric APS attack. He added the Sikhs support security forces in the operation and said militants should be dealt with an iron fist. “It is time to unite and take them down,” said Tony.

“Pakistan will soon overcome the obstacles in its path towards progress,” said Aishwariya Kaur, a student, while talking to The Express Tribune. Kaur said she will return to school after winter vacation, “No one can deprive me of my fundamental right”.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2014.