PM Imran seeks report on Nankana Sahib incident as Punjab police apprehend main accused in case

NANKANA SAHIB: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed the Ministry of Interior and concerned provincial authorities in Punjab to submit a report regarding the protest at the a holy site for Sikhs in the town of Nankana Sahib last week, sources told Geo News. 

"Incidents like the [protest at] Nankana Sahib are not to be accepted under any circumstances. The government will provide protection to minorities at any cost," the premier said, adding, "those involved in the incident do not deserve any leniency."

The main culprit accused of orchestrating a demonstration near a Sikh holy site in the small town of Nankana Sahib in Punjab was arrested late on Sunday for his role in the affair, according to a representative of the provincial government. 

The Focal Person (Digital Media) to CM Punjab, Azhar Mashwani, took to social networking website Twitter to make the arrest public, saying that a First Information Report against the accused had been registered by the local police as well. 

"The main culprit in #NankanaSahib incident Imran has been arrested. FIR # 6/2020 u/s 295A/290/291/341/506/148/ 149, 6 sound system /7ATA has been registered at Nanakan Police Station," said Azhar Mashwani on Twitter.

Also read: Protesters in Nankana Sahib disperse after assurance of justice

Protest in Nankana Sahib

Angry protesters had last week gotten into a scuffle with the police over the arrest of some unidentified individuals in a case involving the marriage of a young couple. The protesters had dispersed after negotiations with the government who assured them of justice. 

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Dr Noor-ul-Haq Qadri said the protest was staged by the family and neighbours of a young man who had married a few months ago. The protesters claimed that police had raided the man's house, arresting him and a few others.

However, PTI's local leader, Shahzad Khalid, spoke to the protesters, assuring them that justice would be provided, after which they dispersed. Interior Minister Brigadier (retd) Ijaz Ahmed Shah had later said that the situation in Nankana Sahib was normal. 

Also read: Nankana incident 'condemnable', against my 'vision', says PM Imran

PM Imran condemns incident

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday also condemned the Nankana incident and said it was different from the state-sponsored oppression of minorities in India.

The prime minister, in a series of tweets, said that the Nankana incident was “against his vision and will find zero tolerance and protection from the government including police and judiciary”.

'Nankana Sahib symbol of brotherhood'

Interior Minister Ijaz Shah had on Sunday visited the town on PM Imran's instructions to review the situation after the incident.

Addressing a press conference at Gurdwara Janamasthan, he said that all the communities were living with brotherhood and peace in Nankana Sahib and such example could not be found in any other city of the country and the world. 

He said that anti-state elements were the enemy of the nation and country and they would be dealt with iron hands.