News Desk
Lahore, May 28, 2024:
The Joint Action Committee for People’s Rights (JAC) in a press release, strongly condemned the recent mob attack on a Christian family in Mujahid Colony, Gillwala, Sargodha. The committee criticized law enforcement agencies for failing to protect innocent citizens from religious extremists.
The attack, which was reportedly triggered by baseless and false blasphemy charges, has raised serious concerns among human rights advocates. According to JAC, a local Muslim family, with other grievances, exploited blasphemy allegations to target the Christian family.
JAC presser also highlighted the misuse of Blasphemy laws, specifically sections 295-B and 295-C, to target minority communities and settle personal disputes. The committee warned that these laws are increasingly becoming tools for maligning opponents and inciting religious and sectarian violence.
The committee expressed deep concern over the local police’s failure to take preventive measures or discourage the mob. JAC suggested that the authorities repeated inability to handle such situations either indicates complacency or a lack of capacity to manage violence against religious minorities.
Referring to past incidents of mob violence in Shanti Nagar, Gojra, Lahore, Sambrial, and Jaranwala, JAC emphasized that the state’s inaction has emboldened extremist groups. The committee stressed the responsibility of the state to protect all citizens, regardless of their religion, faith, or sect.
JAC demanded immediate and comprehensive actions from the government to hold’re those responsible for the attack accountable and to publicly disclose the facts behind such incidents. They called for punitive measures against groups inciting violence to prevent future occurrences.
Furthermore, JAC urged the Punjab government to restore the confidence of the Christian families in Mujahid Colony through community-led initiatives. They also demanded the withdrawal of the FIR against the victims and compensation for the loss of property.
The committee also called on the Punjab Chief Minister to take personal notice of the incident and prevent further damage.