Tight security in Christian localities

Tight security in Christian localities

ISLAMABAD, March 2: Following the assassination of federal minister for minorities` affairs Shahbaz Bhatti, the local administration and police enhanced security of all Christian colonies in particular and the worship places of all religions in general.

“Police and special branch personnel will keep surveillance of Christian localities and be deployed there for security,” Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Amer Ali Ahmed told Dawn.

The local administration held separate meetings with representatives of Christian community and Ulema of different sects of Islam urging them to cooperate in the tense situation.

The representatives of Christian community were requested to remain calm over the tragic incident and not violate the law during their protest demonstrations and prayers.

It is expected that the Christian community will stage demonstrations to lodge protest against the killing of the minister. They will also hold special prayers in churches and other places.

“The representatives of Christian colonies assured us that they will remain peaceful and will not create any law and order situation in the federal capital,” said the deputy commissioner.

The representatives of Christian settlements in sectors G-6, G-7, G-8, F-6, F-7 and F-8 attended the meeting.

The official said the security of worship places, including mosques, imambargahs and churches had been tightened and more security force personnel deployed there.

Later, the officials of local administration held a separate meeting with ulema belonging to Deoband and Shia sects, including Nazir Farooqi, Zahoor Alvi, Qamar Sajid and Akhtar Abbas.

Ulema who are mostly the prayer leaders of mosques and seminaries were urged not to react if the Christian community members hold rallies and demonstrations to protest the assassination of Mr Bhatti.

“They also assured us full cooperation and they will advise their followers not to react to any protest held by the Christian community,” the DC said.

Sources in the interior ministry said the security of Mr Bhatti`s family had also been enhanced and a special squad deployed at his residence in F-8.