Two Christians shot dead and two injured in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Pakistan: March 23, 2011, (PCTV Newsdesk)

After a brawl over interrupting a church gathering, two Christians were shot dead and two others were injured by local Muslims at Hurr Camp, a locality of the Christians in Hyderabad, Sindh Province on March 21, 2011.

According to the reports Christians were celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Salvation Army Church when a few Muslim youth interrupted by playing music on their cell phones in high volume, they also teased the Christian women when they came to the Church.

A few men tried to stop the Muslim youths asked them to respect the sanctity of the prayer service and refrain from teasing the Christian women. The argument turned into a clash between the two parties.

According to witnesses around six Muslims opened the fire and killed Mr. Jamil Sardar (24) a newly married and Mr. Younis Masih (45) on the spot. Siddiq Masih (40) and Waseem George (20) got serious injuries and were admitted to the hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad respectively, till this report.

Hundreds of Christians staged a protest against the incident in-front of the Central Jail, Hyderabad on March 22, 2011. They blocked the highway for the whole night along with the dead bodies and demanded arrest of the culprits and justice to the families. Two Catholic priests Fr. Samson Shukardin OFM, Diocesan Director, National Commission for Justice and Peace and Fr. Sabir Sadiq, the parish priest led the protest.

The Superintendent Police, the Station House Officer and the local political leadership of MQM visited the Christian community for condolences at the protest spot and requested them to vacate the highway. The protestors dispersed peacefully on assurance by police that the culprits will be arrested and brought to justice.

Three out of six culprits mentioned in the FIR were arrested till this report, and the police officials reportedly have assured the community that other three will also be arrested soon, NCJP reported.