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 Deputy Commissioner Swat, demanding ownership rights of the cemetery including protection of the grave.
Leaders of the Christian community met Deputy Commissioner Swat, Dr Qasim Ali Khan, where he promised all-out support for 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, demanding due rights of the Christian community and protection of their cemetery.
Shakeel Sadiq, a leader of the Christian community, told this scribe that he first went to the Saidu Sharif police station to file a case and then went to Assistant Commissioner Babuzai’s office. After that we met the Swat Deputy Commissioner and gave him a detailed briefing regarding the burial issues.
He said that a piece of land measuring four kanals and five marla was allocated for the Christian community in the Batora area in the limits of Saidu Sharif Police for a Christian 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,” he added.
Shakeel Sadiq revealed that the government has not paid money to the land owners yet, suspecting “this might be the reason behind desecration of grave and other burial issues.”
On the other hand, DC Dr Qasim Ali Khan assured the Christian community that their demolished graves will be rebuilt and those who were involved in the desecration will be arrested and strict legal action will be taken against them.
Meanwhile, 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 stage a strong protest,” Shakeel Sadiq warned.
