All 350 people accused of setting a Hindu temple on fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa last year would have cases against them withdrawn.
According to a report, the Khyber government has alleged that as the Hindu community has ‘pardoned’ the mob for vandalizing their century-old temple and hence they would be set free.
However, a local religious scholar, Haroon Sarab Diyal alleged that the decision from Hindus was not taken into consideration. He said while “We are not against peace and interfaith harmony but the way adopted for withdrawal of cases is quite against the jirga culture of the soil.” He also revealed that constructing a resting area adjacent to the temple was unnecessarily delayed and was creating unrest.
Last year in December, a Hindu temple was set on fire and damaged by supporters of a local cleric in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district. Mob moved towards the temple and later put it on fire after delivering speeches.
The government named 350 accused in an FIR for their alleged involvement. 109 people involved in the attack were arrested, while 92 police officers, including the Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Superintendent of Police, who were on duty at the time, were suspended.
