SWAT: At least three graves were demolished by unidentified persons in the cemetery reserved for the Christian community in Batora area of Swat district.The Christian community gathered in front of the office of the Deputy Commissioner Swat and demanded the ownership rights including ensuring the protection of the cemetery.
Leaders of the Christian community met Deputy Commissioner Swat Dr. Qasim Ali Khan, where he promised full cooperation to the Christian community and to settle the land as soon as possible.
The Christian community, led by Shakeel Sadiq, took to the streets in GulKada on Thursday and protested in front of the office of Deputy Commissioner Swat.
The protesters were holding placards and they demanded to give rights to the Christians and to ensure the protection of the cemetery.
Shakeel Sadiq, a leader of the Christian community , told this scribe that he first went to the Saidu Sharif police station to file an FIR and then went to Assistant Commissioner Babuzai’s office. After that we met the Deputy Commissioner Swat Dr. Qasim Ali Khan and gave him a detailed briefing regarding the burial.
Shakeel Sadiq further said that four kanals and five marles of land was allocated for the Christian community in the Batora area within the limits of Saidu Sharif police station and this land was given to us for a cemetery in June 2022.
“Currently five members of our community are buried in the cemetery and unfortunately unknown persons have desecrated the graves of two of our men and one woman, added , ” due to which there is great sadness in the Christian community.
Shakeel Sadiq revealed that the government has not given the money to the land owners yet.
“This is the reason why we are facing problems regarding burial from the owner’s side,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Qasim Ali Khan has assured the Christian community that their demolished graves will be rebuilt and those who are involved in this action will be arrested and strict legal action will be taken against them.
On the other hand, on the complaint of the Christian community, an FIR has been registered against the unknown accused under Section 297 of the PPC at the police station Saidu Sharif and the search for the accused has been started.
“If our demands are not accepted, then in the next phase they will be forced to protest strongly,” Shakeel Sadiq concluded.
Christian community protests in Swat over desecration of Christian cemeteries
