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PESHAWAR: Policeman martyred while protecting Sikh healer in a targeted attack
A tragic incident unfolded in the suburbs of Peshawar on Tuesday as a brave policeman, Constable Farhad, laid down his life while shielding a Sikh healer from unidentified assailants. The gunmen targeted Guljit Singh’s clinic in the Baghbanan area, within the jurisdiction of Inquilab police station, resulting in the loss of the 40-year-old ex-serviceman.
The swift actions of Constable Farhad ensured the safety of the Sikh healer, who fortunately remained unharmed in the attack. Peshawar police chief Syed Ashfaq Anwar commended the officer’s sacrifice and assured that security measures were in place for the Sikh community in the area.
Concerns of the Sikh community
The Sikh community in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has been shaken by this latest attack, with Baba Gurpal Singh highlighting the challenges faced by their members in the region. He revealed that over the past few years, around a hundred Sikh families have been forced to leave Peshawar due to factors such as terrorism, unemployment, and targeted violence.
Tragically, 18 Sikhs have lost their lives in attacks, while 11 others have been injured, underscoring the vulnerability of religious minorities in the area. Gurpal emphasised the urgent need for enhanced security measures and a conducive environment for the community to thrive.
Security concerns and response
K-P Counter Terrorism Department chief Shaukat Abbas previously linked the killings of religious minorities, including Sikhs and Christians, to the activities of the international terrorist organisation Daesh. However, he noted that significant progress had been made in eliminating the terrorist network from Peshawar in recent years.
Despite these efforts, the recent attack has reignited concerns about security in the province. Data from the K-P CTD indicates a rise in terrorism incidents this year, with over 130 attacks recorded in the first quarter alone. The southern districts have been particularly affected, with a significant number of attacks targeting law enforcement personnel.
Government response and assurances
K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur condemned the attack on the policeman and expressed condolences to the family of the fallen officer. He reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing security for religious minorities and pledged to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Gandapur also assured the family of the martyr that they would receive support and assistance from the provincial government during this difficult time. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by religious minorities in the region and the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens.
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