PESHAWAR: Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) registered FIR in target killing of two Sikh merchants on outskirts of provincial capital on Sunday.
Members of Sikh minority demanded protection and condemnation against in gun attack poured in from religious and political parties that also demanded early arrest and punishment of criminals.
FIR was registered at the CTD police station on Sunday on official complaint of Guruwinder Singh, brother of Merchant Ranjit Singh was killed.
The applicant told the police that, together with with Ranjit and neighbor Guljit Singh, he ruled shop in Batatala bazaar near the border of Bara tehsil of Khyber region.
condemnation against Peshawar gun attack also pour in
He said he was in his shop when he heard the shots, and rushed to the place where both of his brother and the neighbor lied dead.
Mr. Guruwinder said that two unknown motorcyclists opened fire on the two of them and sped away.
CTD has registered FIR under sections 302 and 34. of Pakistan Penal Code for murder and common intent and Section 7 of anti-terrorism law against unknown perpetrators.
Meanwhile, MP Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl Sardar Ranjit Singh stated news conference at the Peshawar Press Club
on Monday, what’s the target killing of the sikh community members of the group are very unfortunate as it upset people of all religions.
Accompanied by Chairman of the All Pakistan Movement for Hindu Rights Harun Sarab Diyal, Almi Muttahida, Chairman of the Council of Ulema-o-Mashaikh Allama Mohammad Shoaib, leader of the Imamiya Jirga Muzzaffar Ali Akhunzada and Islamic scholar Maksoud Ahmad Salfi, Christian priests and members of other non-Muslim minorities, Mr Ranjit demanded arrest of the killers of Sikh traders for judgment and punishment.
Speakers condemned the incident and asked the police to take “practical” action. steps for early arrest of the killers.
They are also asked for Payment of compensation families of deceased and proper protection for non-Muslims and their places of worship.
Speakers said non-Muslims feel completely safe in country, but some anti-state elements began to persecute them in order to destabilize the country.
They called followers of different religions to create religious harmony and enhance cooperation with each other to ensure peaceful life with understanding, love and patience.
Meanwhile, Qaumi Party Chairman Watan Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao condemned killing of Sikh traders in Peshawar and asked government bring the perpetrators to justice soon.
During the meeting of party workers from the Buner area are here, the QWP chief said government should ensure the safety of members of minorities.
He said the killers of Sikh men should be arrested immediately for punishment in accordance with the law to prevent such attacks.
QWP leader sympathized with families of dead.
He complained that law and order was deteriorating in province, but government not interested in taking corrective steps to control the situation.
Mr Sherpao said the number of targeted killings, robberies and street crimes have increased in province and people felt insecure due to the deterioration of law and order.
He asked his party office-bearers from Buner to mobilize workers and organize party at the grassroots level in to attain out to people and ensure in success of in party candidate in in next general elections.
This was announced by the head of the QWP. party was hard vote bank in Bunersky district, therefore local office-bearers should double their efforts to strengthen it.
Published in Dawn, May 17, 2022
