Deadly attacks on two Imam barghas in Gujranwala spark protest

The Express Tribune News

Protests broke out in Gujranwala after the death of three people in separate incidents of firing at Imam barghas in Gujranwala, Express News reported on Saturday. In one of the incidents the Imam of the Imam bargha in Shahrukh Colony was killed. Two worshippers were killed in a separate firing incident the same morning at an Imam bargha in the Mominpur area. Unidentified men entered the Imam Barghas on motorcycles and started firing, resulting in the casualties. Enraged relatives of the victims protested by placing the dead bodies on the streets. These incidents occurred on the fourth of Muharram, a few days after the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Penal Code (CrPC) for one month, starting from the first of Muharram. Security Measures The Punjab government on November 5 had imposed Section 144 CrPC. According to the home department, the home secretary had imposed section 144 CrPC to maintain law and order during Muharram throughout the province. The government banned brandishing of firearms, distribution of hate material, wall chalking and propagated speeches during the month of Muharram. Any violator of the restriction will be booked under relevant laws. The law enforcing agencies were also directed to observe strict imposition of Section 144. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, while chairing a high level meeting on November 5, had directed authorities to take all necessary measures for ensuring religious harmony during Muharram.