Show arrest or we protest: Minority panel member

LUDHIANA: A week after Ludhiana pastor Sultan Masih, 50, was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne assailants in the Salem Tabri area of the city on July 15, the members of the community have threatened to hold protests if the culprits are not nabbed by July 24 (Monday).

“We will hold Masih’s memorial service on July 24. Till then, the police should be able to arrest the culprits else the Christian community that is living under fear would be forced to hold protest demonstrations in Ludhiana,”

Albert Dua, a member of the state minority commission, told a press conference in the city on Saturday. He alleged that some members of the Christian community were also getting threats after the killing of Masih.

“After the incident, anti-social elements have already threatened a pastor in Haibowal and asister in Kila Mohalla. We cannot let our people die. The administration must ensure our security,” said Dua.

Dua also cautioned political leaders who have visited the family of Masih during recent past of using the incident to generate political mileage.

“Over the past week, many senior political leaders of Punjab have visited the wife and children of Masih. These people should understand that the family has lost its bread winner and visits of political leaders are disturbing them,” he added.

‘GIVE ASI’S JOB TO SON’

He added that Masih’s son should at least be given the job of an assistant sub-inspector with the police. “It seems that that the government has decided to employ Masih’s son as a constable in the police department,” he said.

KHAIRA SHOULD PROVE OUR ROLE OR APOLOGISE: BJP

Punjab BJP on Saturday condemned the statement of leader of Opposition Sukhpal Singh Khaira, wherein he had alleged that the RSS, the VHP and the BJP might have a hand in the murder of a church priest in Ludhiana. Punjab BJP vice-president Harjit Singh Grewal and party secretary Vineet Joshi said Khaira must prove his allegation or apologise. “By pinning the blame of the murder of pastor Sultan Masih on the BJP, the RSS and the VHP, the newlyelected leader of opposition has made a mockery of himself. RSS is an organization which respects all religions and its leaders have sacrificed their lives for the nation,” a statement from the party said. Punjab RSS chief Brij Bhushan Singh Bedi said, “With such kind of statements, Khaira is creating communal tension and trying to disturb the state’s peace.”