[The News (Pak)] Dozens of houses of the Christian community were set on fire on Friday by provoked villagers in Azafi Basti, Chak 95/JB, Gahri, situated on the Gojra-Faisalabad Road, over alleged desecration of the Holy Qura'an by three persons. Another "desecration," another riot, more infidel houses burnt. President Ten Percent will no doubt demand another report...
The incident of desecration allegedly took place at a Mehndi and wedding ceremonies of a Christian family. Three persons, Mukhtar Masih, Talib Masih and his son Imran Masih, showered papers on the participants on which Quranic verses were allegedly written, along with currency notes, to express jubilation on the occasion.
When the news reached the Muslims of the village, they held a meeting, where the accused Talib Masih refused to seek pardon from the Muslim community. This provoked the Muslims and hundreds of people attacked the Azafi Basti, populated by Christians.
Before the arrival of the attackers, all the residents had left their houses. More than 30 houses were set ablaze while some animals were also reportedly burnt. However, Christian leaders, Atif Jamil Paggan and Ashfaq Fateh, claimed in a press conference that about 75 houses were burnt while two churches were also damaged.
Talks were held with DPO Inkisar Khan through MPA Bilal Asghar Warraich and Maulana Noor Ahmad of Gojra where it was decided that the accused persons would be arrested after the registration of case, while SHO Sadar Gojra would be suspended.
After the suspension of the SHO, the protesters ended the blockade of Gojra-Faisalabad Road and let Toba and Gojra TMA fire brigades control the fire in the locality. Punjab Minorities Minister Kamran Michael visited the locality on Friday and urged both the sides to remain peaceful.
He assured the victims that he would talk to Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on payment of compensation for their losses. Two minority MPAs, Rafiq Pervaiz and Khalil Tahir Sindhu, also visited the locality. Meanwhile, Gojra Sadar police registered a case under Section 295-B against Mukhtar Masih, Talib Masih and Imran Masih, but they could not be arrested till the filing of the report.