In a move to give vent to their emotions against the Joseph Colony incident in Lahore, the protesters, who were aimed to stage a peaceful demonstration at the press club, went violent at the city’s major commercial streets with ransacking, looting and beating the bystanders.
It is mentioned here that over an alleged blasphemy case, a large number of angry protesters on Saturday set ablaze more than 178 houses/shops belonging to the Christians over a blasphemy row in Joseph Colony at Badami Bagh, Lahore.
Initially, the protesters gathered at Numaish Chowrangi to participate in the announced protest demonstration by the Muttehida Qaumi Movement outside the KPC, however, the protesters turned violent at Fawara Chowk and other parts of the Saddar area.
The protesters carrying clubs and sticks in their hands made forced closure of the markets, particularly the Mobile Market and the busiest Zainab Market, resulting into fear among the traders and the passersby.
The protesters severally beat up the bike-riders and also damaged the passing and parked vehicles. The major loss to property, ransacking and looting was witnessed within the jurisdictions of Preedy and Artillery Maiden police stations.
The whole episode also compelled the law enforcement agencies to use force to ensure safety and security of the traders and citizens that resulted into baton-charging of the protesters.
All the 50 to 60 motorcycles parked in the parking slots were damaged, a branch of private bank at Zainab Market was ransacked, windowpanes of the State Life Building also smashed, two DSNGs of a private news television were damaged and pushcart vendors and stall holders lost their items at the hands of protesters.
South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shahid Hayat told Pakistan Today that peaceful protests is fundamental right of every citizen, however, no one will be allowed to take the law into his own hand.
“The Joseph Colony incident was unfortunate and it should be condemned however the damage to one’s property under the cover of protest is intolerable”, the police official added.
Preedy Station House Officer Aga Asadullah told Pakistan Today at least 15 motorcycles were badly damaged by the protesters in his jurisdiction at Saddar area. Besides, many shops and pushcart vendors were looted by the miscreants during the protest, he added.
Artillery Maiden SHO Ali Raza said the protesters had a fight with the police deputed at Fawara Chowk and they started ransacking public property and looted the traders. At least 40 to 50 parked motorcycles were damaged, some 13 cars were badly damaged and the tape recorders and other valuables were taken away and two DSNGs of a private news channel were also damaged, he informed.
Moreover, the protesters also smashed the windowpanes of the State Life Building and branch of a private bank, and also took away the looted stuff, he said, adding the police baton charged the protesters besides using water cannons.