Youhanabad protests: Police arrest 108 suspected miscreants

Up to 4,000 protesters took to the streets of Lahore in a rare show of anger following twin blasts outside churches

LAHORE: Police in Lahore arrested 108 suspected miscreants in relation to violent protests that erupted following twin explosions outside churches in Youhanabad neighbourhood of Lahore, Express News reported.

The March 15 attacks left over 14 dead and 75 injured and were followed by demonstrations in Lahore and other parts of the country. Up to 4,000 protesters took to the streets of Lahore, many armed with clubs as they smashed vehicles and attacked a city bus station in a rare show of anger.

Investigating the violence, police said they arrested the miscreants during a raid in Youhanabad area.

Related: Youhanabad follow-up: ‘Worship places should promote coexistence’

Following the brutal attacks, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had said that all worship places of all religious communities should send out a message of ‘peaceful coexistence’.

He had further said that those responsible for the Youhanabad blasts had wanted to divide the nation. However, he had said that with unity amongst their ranks, Pakistanis would be successful in countering the threat of terrorism.

Related: 14 dead, 75 injured in attack on Lahore's Christian community

The bombings took place during prayers at two churches located around half a kilometre apart in the neighbourhood that is home to more than 100,000 Christians.