Lahore: Pakistan’s Punjab government on Monday announced a compensation of Rs 2 million for around 100 Christian families whose homes were burnt down by radical Islamists last week over allegations of blasphemy.
An enraged mob ransacked and torched 21 churches and several houses of Christians last week over blasphemy allegations in Jaranwala town of Faisalabad district, 130 km from Punjab’s provincial capital Lahore. A Christian cemetery and the office of the local assistant commissioner were also vandalised.
“At least 94 families will receive compensation of Rs 2 million each by tomorrow (Tuesday). The amount will help them rebuild their houses damaged in the violence,” said Punjab’s caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The Christian leaders told Naqvi on Monday that at least 200 houses were damaged in the violence, and all should be compensated.
According to the police, at least 20 churches and 86 houses of Christians were burnt down by the mob in Jaranwala last Wednesday. The two Christians accused of desecrating the Quran were arrested, police said, adding that 145 suspects have been arrested so far, including a cleric who made announcements from five mosques inciting people to attack Christian homes and churches. The police report also hinted at the presence of radical Islamist TLP elements that spearheaded the mob which unleashed the attack.