Two Sikhs shot dead in Peshawar, Community takes to streets

Two members of the Sikh community of Pakistan were gunned down by unknown assailants near Peshawar. Capital City Police Officer Ijaz Khan identified the victims as Suljeet Singh (42) and Ranjeet Singh (38) who owned shops in Batatal.

The Peshawar-Islamabad road in front of Qila Bala Hissar was blocked by the members of the Sikh community who took to the streets to protest against the incident. People recited slogans of "Bole-So-Nihal" and were seen holding placards. A Twitter user alleged that the gunmen were local extortionists.

According to Dawn, police arrived at the scene soon after receiving information and moved the bodies to the hospital for an autopsy. Officials were also collecting evidence from the scene and CCTV cameras in the area are being checked.

The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Sarband police station and a search operation had been launched in the area to nab the suspects who managed to escape. "Those involved in the incident will soon be unmasked," said officer Khan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari condemned the attack. The PM asked the Chief Minister to take steps to ensure the safety of lives and property of people from minority communities. He also ordered the swift arrest of the criminals.

The Pak PM said the country's enemies are responsible for the incident and vowed to "eradicate them from the face of the earth". However, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has criticised the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's failure to protect minorities.

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also called for the immediate arrest of the suspects. He stated that no one will be allowed to disturb interfaith harmony in the country and harm national unity. He promised not to abandon the Sikh community.