Elderly Sikh couple shot dead in Gurudwara; Questions raised again on the security of minorities in Pakistan

Pakistan Sikh Couple Murder In Gurudwara: Heartbreaking news of attack on minorities has once again emerged from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of neighboring country Pakistan. An elderly Sikh couple was shot dead inside a Gurudwara located at Babu Mohalla in Mardan district on Wednesday. This double murder has not only frightened the minority community of Pakistan, but deep anger is being seen in India too.

Brutal murder inside the Gurudwara

The deceased couple has been identified as Jagannath and his wife Asma Wanti. Both these elderly couples were living as sevadars in the Gurudwara in Mardan district, located about 60 km from Peshawar, for a long time. On Wednesday, when he was busy in his regular service inside the Gurudwara, unknown assailants targeted him and shot him dead.

Main accused arrested

After this massacre, the local police came into action and started a massive search operation. On Thursday, Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Masood Ahmed Bangash announced in a press conference that the police had arrested the main suspect in the case. The accused has been identified as Sher Shah, a resident of Amjugri.

Police officer Bangash said that the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of senior officials are investigating the case in depth. Preliminary investigation has so far found no evidence of the accused being associated with any banned terrorist organization or organized network. The police are currently trying to find out the real reason for the murder on the basis of the suspect’s statements and other evidence.

Outcry in India and demand for international intervention

The echo of this incident that happened in Pakistan is being heard in India also. BJP leader Tarun Chugh and Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gadgaj have strongly condemned this incident. Jathedar Gadgaj has appealed to international organizations to intervene in this matter and ensure protection of human rights of minorities in Pakistan.

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Indian leaders have urged Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister to give strictest punishment to the culprits. Criticizing the Pakistan government, he said that the administration there has completely failed to protect the minorities and their religious places. At present, security has been increased in the entire Mardan district and strict vigil is being maintained around the Gurudwara.