FAISLABAD: Scores of people were injured and an Ahmadi place of worship set ablaze after a minor altercation over an alleged cockfight turned into communal violence in Ghaseetpura area of Faisalabad on Thursday, police said Friday.
According to the FIR registered, the dispute took place between a group of youth belonging to the Ahmadi community and another group after a motorcyclist from the latter group allegedly hit a chicken belonging to the former group.
At least 31 people, including five Ahmadi men, were injured after the brawl ensued, which soon blew out of proportion, police report said, adding that stones were pelted, gunshots were fired and an Ahmadi place of worship was set on fire.
Saleemuddin, a spokesman for the Ahmadi community, said that a minor dispute was exploited to stoke communal tension. “A mob attacked Baitul Zikr in Ghaseetpura after two men had an argument over missing roosters.”
More than a dozen suspects were nabbed and booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act after law enforcement authorities were alerted to contain the situation.
Both sides reached a truce following police mediation.
Around two dozen of those injured were shifted to Faisalabad’s Allied and Civil hospitals. The remaining ones were given first aid on the spot.
The spokesman for the Ahmadi community condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms. He called on authorities concerned to take full and requisite measures to bring things under control and take swift action against the perpetrators of the attack.
In a tweet, Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari said that mob violence in all forms was unacceptable. “Our commitment to protection of the rights of all citizens remains a priority.”
The minister also shared on Twitter findings of the incident she received from regional police’s head via Whatsapp.
Several human rights activists and organisations also condemned the attack and demand action against culprits.
Published in Daily Times, August 25th 2018.
