Jaranwala Incident Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
Background
The Jaranwala incident is an example of religious bigotry and social discrimination. whereas factors such as the recent desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, whereas on the other hand hatred speeches
against Christians on social media, unsustainable political circumstances, unemployment, inflation, uncontrolled social media, and lack of education are the reasons for public anger.
Fact-Finding
The struggle to eliminate discrimination and discriminatory behavior in the name of religion is included in the aims and objectives of the EPDI society. Eradication of religious extremism and extremism is possible with continuous consultation of leaders of all schools of thought, including social and political stakeholders. It is the responsibility of the district administration to provide a suitable environment in Jaranwala for the establishment of peace, unity, and inter-faith harmony so that there is no untoward incident in the future.
A delegation led by the president of the association Shahzad Lawrence visited the Christian area in Jaranwala and met with the families who were victims of religious extremism. People pitched tents in the streets and sat on the cots that were given to them by the workers of some social organizations.
It was the bright day of August 16, 2023, earlier They celebrated Independence Day with national patriotism and enthusiastic manners in Jaranwala. he was busy cleaning and preparing food in the morning when a message came through from a religious leader asking them to save their lives and leave their homes as soon as possible. She added it all happened so quickly that all members of the town did not know what to do. They left town even though many families saved their lives by spending the night in the fields without food and drinking water. She was weeping while describing the situation.
Meanwhile, people were being distributed food, etc. The local families thanked the members of the Contact Society for their solidarity and financial support.
Construction work had begun on a ruined church building.
The Christian cemetery on the other side of the church was also not safe from the religious extremists. Crosses were desecrated, and phrases and symbols, etc. were damaged
We children living here are fearful and cannot sleep due to unexpected circumstances. Nobody assured us of guarantees of safety.
Christian children said that all the students were afraid that the non-Christian students in their class would hurt them. If we close our eyes, these terrible and terrifying scenes are in front of us. We feel that these villains will come back to kill us. We do not want to live in an atmosphere of fear. As our houses were set on fire, anger was unleashed on the building, we shudder to think what would have been done to us if we were here.
My books, bags, uniform, clothes, and computer were burnt by those people. I don’t understand why we are punished for being Christ. We did not harm anyone, so why were my houses and those of our neighbors burnt? Akash said while talking to Shahzad Lawrence, President of EPDI Rabata Society. It is noteworthy that many children are afraid to go to school. Some children said that all the Christian students were afraid that the non-Christian children in their class would hurt them.
