Pakistan: Brothers shot dead in Christian-Muslim battle

Two Christians have been killed, a church ransacked and shops burnt as Muslim-Christian tensions erupted into five hours of violence in Faisalabad on July 19.

Police were only able to restore order and disperse the crowds by using shellfire. One day later, the situation remains tense.

The murdered Christians were brothers who had been charged with publishing and distributing a blasphemous, anti-Islamic pamphlet. They were shot dead as they arrived at court to face the charges.

Their shooting was witnessed by several people. A group of five priests rushed to court after hearing the news and saw the bodies. Some were critical of the light security arrangements for the accused men.

"We had been demanding more security for them, but we never expected this," said Dominican Father Pascal Paulus. "Only three police guards was insufficient."

The deaths sparked a series of street clashes between Christians and Muslims, who raided the Sadi e Pakistan Church, pelting it with stones and causing extensive damage. Local mosques are said to have made provocative announcements over their loudspeakers, encouraging the rampage.

In the wake of the violence, Church offices, including the local Caritas headquarters, remain closed and several Christians have fled their homes. Police say they have arrested 60 Muslims.

A memorial service was held for the brothers at the city’s Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, on the morning of July 20. The congregation had to be brought in and out by a police escort.

"We urge Christians to remain peaceful but we also demand that the real culprits be brought to justice," said Bishop Joseph Coutts of Faisalabad who conducted the Mass. "Minorities have suffered a lot."

July 20th, 2010
[UCAN]