Pastor’s killing:May seek Centre’s help, says Jakhar

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, July 19

Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday said if required, the government would not hesitate in taking the help of the CBI or the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to crack the murder case of pastor Sultan Masih.

Speaking to the media while on his way to meet the deceased’s family, Jakhar said the bike-borne assailants who killed the pastor would be nabbed soon. He said attack on religious leaders was a deep conspiracy to destabilise Punjab. “But we will not let that happen. The government is committed to serve people and ensure peace in the state,” he said.

“If need arises we can even ask the Union Government’s help in maintaining law and order in the state,” he said.

Jakhar assured the family that justice would be delivered soon.

The incident, meanwhile, has led to unrest among the Christian community. On Saturday night, two bike-borne assailants had shot Masih while he was talking on the phone outside the church in Peerubanda Mohalla.

The police have already formed a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the killing.

The state Congress chief said the police had been given the authority to probe the case from all angles.