Pakistan: Mob Attacks Christian Village

PAKISTAN - CHRISTIANS TARGETED AND ATTACKED BY MOB

In early March 2009, the peace and quiet of the small village of Sangowali in the Punjab province of Pakistan was broken by a gang of Muslims who descended on the village. The 25-strong mob targeted local Christians, breaking down doors and forcibly entering their houses and beating them with clubs and iron rods. Women tried to protect their sons and husbands, but the mob was indiscriminate in their attack. A number of Christians were injured, three of them severely, and one woman died of her injuries. The wounded were rushed to hospital, but their journey was delayed as the gang blocked the road shouting abuse and firing their guns.

It is thought the attack was intended to punish the Christian community living in the village because of the actions of a 16- year-old Christian boy. Prior to the attack, he had been sexually harassed by local Muslims and had pressed charges against his attackers at the local police station.

The families of the injured Christians are struggling to obtain justice for their relatives from the local police, as the accused are very influential in the area. A charge of murder has been registered, and ten Muslim men have been named, but as yet no one has been arrested.

• Pray for the Christians injured or bereaved in this attack, that the Lord will heal and comfort them at this time.

• Ask the Lord Jesus to change the hearts of the men who carried out the attacks and pray that the police will act to ensure justice for Christians.

Source: Barnabus Fund