Gujranwala, July 27, 2024 – In a disturbing incident, Muslim landlords desecrated a Christian cemetery in Kotli Mallian, Nowshera Virkan, Gujranwala, on May 20, 2024. The landlords demolished seven graves and attempted to seize the cemetery land by ploughing through the graves. They even brought bulldozers to level the area.
Irfan Masih, a resident of Kotli Mallian, registered a First Information Report (FIR) at Tatlay Aali police station on the same day. He reported that the police added sections 447 and 511TP, both bailable offenses, in the FIR. Irfan noted that the 7-kanal graveyard has been designated for Christian burials since before Pakistan's independence, with his family using it for four generations.
According to Irfan’s FIR, on May 15, 2024, Rana Manzoor, son of Shah Muhammad, arrived with a tractor at 11 PM and bulldozed seven to eight graves. When Shahzad Masih and Yousaf Masih requested him to stop, Manzoor refused and issued threats. On May 20, 2024, Manzoor attempted the same action, but the local Christian community intervened and prevented further destruction. Irfan also reported that Manzoor had illegally occupied 3 kanals of the graveyard land.
Irfan Masih, 30, who runs a small dairy farm, lives in Kotli Mallian with his family in a community of about 25 houses. He expressed concerns about safety, fearing retaliation from Manzoor, an influential figure.
Aslam Pervez Sahotra, Chairman of the Masiha Millat Party, condemned the grave desecration, accusing the police of pressuring the Christians to withdraw the case instead of helping them reclaim their land. He criticized the lack of support from local politicians and minority assembly members. Sahotra emphasized the need for more serious charges in the FIR, including those related to religious desecration and spreading terror among the Christian community. He warned of a potential sit-in at Lahore Press Club if the police do not take urgent action.
Irfan Masih appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and the Chief of Army Staff for justice and protection. He urged for serious action against Rana Manzoor and the inclusion of appropriate sections in the FIR. He highlighted the ongoing fear and harassment faced by his community, calling for immediate government intervention to safeguard their rights and land.
The Christian community also seeks the addition of blasphemy sections in FIR No. 692/24, underscoring the severity of the offense and the emotional trauma inflicted on them.
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