Lahore: Christians in Pakistan shut down missionary schools in protest after more than 100 homes of the minority community were burnt down on allegations of blasphemy.
More than 3,000 Muslims rampaged through Joseph Colony, a Christian area of the eastern city of Lahore, on Saturday after allegations that a Christian, Savan Masih, had made derogatory remarks about the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) three days earlier.
Nobody was killed in the incident, but protests were staged across Pakistan to denounce the act of violence, AFP reported.
“Missionary schools of Lahore will remain closed on Monday on account of massacre in Joseph colony,” Bishop Sebastian Shaw, chairman of the Catholic board, told reporters.
Sadiq Daniel, bishop of the church of Pakistan in Sindh said all missionary schools in the province, including those in Karachi, would be closed on Monday.
In Southern Punjab, where many Christians live in the main city Multan and many others are settled in villages to work in agriculture, the local bishop also announced the closure of missionary schools.
“All educational institutions of Christian community will remain closed on Monday to express solidarity with the affectees of Joseph Colony,” Bishop Leo Rodrick Paul said.
Police in central Multan city said they have deployed officers to protect sensitive Christian places including churches and schools.
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