2 involved in shooting at migrant labourers in Punjab's Moga held after encounter
Chandigarh (PTI): Two persons, allegedly involved in the shooting at migrant labourers in Punjab's Moga district, were arrested following an exchange of gunfire with the police there on Sunday.
Jobanpreet sustained a bullet injury in his leg following an encounter near Ghalkalan village, while his accomplice, Akashdeep, was also nabbed, said police.
Two migrant labourers were injured after three unidentified assailants on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire at a group of workers in the district on February 10.
Moga Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi on Sunday said police had prior information about the presence of the two accused involved in the shooting incident.
ALSO READ: UP: Man arrested for posting video with 'objectionable remarks' against PM Modi
A police team intercepted Jobanpreet and Akashdeep, who were on a motorcycle, and signalled them to stop. But they opened fire at the police, said the SSP while speaking to reporters.
When police retaliated, Jobanpreet sustained a bullet injury in his leg. Akashdeep, who tried to run away, was also apprehended.
The bike used in the crime has also been recovered, said the SSP.
Two weapons, along with four empty shells and one live round, have been recovered from them. The accused fired four to five rounds at the police. However, no one from the police team sustained any injury.
Police investigation revealed that the two accused, along with their other accomplice, opened fire at the labourers on February 10, on the instructions of their foreign-based handler.
"Their motive was to disturb peace in Punjab," the SSP said, adding that two persons hailing from Ferozepur district have already been arrested for allegedly providing shelter to Jobanpreet and Akashdeep.
Another accused involved in the shooting is yet to be nabbed.
The shooting incident occurred on the Zira road when the migrant workers were going for a meal after their work at a factory. Out of three accused on the motorcycle, one opened fire, and one of them made a video of the firing incident.
After the incident, an unverified post surfaced on Instagram in which a user named Nirvair Singh claimed responsibility for the firing. The post also contained a video of the purported incident.
The unverified post claimed that the firing on people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar was carried out by Ladi Bhalwan and Nirvair Singh.
The post had said the firing was carried out in an act of "protest" against these migrant workers who "spoil" the atmosphere of Punjab. It also warned of more violence if migrant workers were not driven out of villages and towns.
The post had also sought to justify the attack by referring to past crimes involving migrant workers. It warned sarpanches and panchayat members who allegedly arrange Aadhaar cards for the migrant workers, and allow them to stay for the sake of votes.
Following the February 10 incident, Opposition parties attacked the AAP government, asking the Bhagwant Mann dispensation to wake up from its "slumber" to act against those trying to create divisions in society.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Activists write open letter to Odisha govt flagging anti-Christian violence
New Delhi: Activists and rights campaigners John Dayal, Aakar Patel, Vidya Dinker and Harsh Mander have expressed serious concern over the alleged rise in violence and intimidation against Christians in several districts, accusing both Hindutva organisations and sections of the police of targeting the minority community.
In a strongly worded communication addressed to the state administration, the signatories said they had received disturbing testimonies from affected people regarding social boycott, denial of burial rights, physical assaults and police intimidation.
According to the activists, Christians in some areas were allegedly boycotted by villagers, while people who traded with them, employed them or provided them shelter were also targeted.
The letter also highlighted what it described as “gruesome” incidents involving the prevention of burials of Christians within village burial grounds and even on privately owned lands belonging to Christian families. The activists said there were cases where bodies remained unburied for days due to opposition from local groups, while in some instances burials were allegedly forced to take place in forest areas outside village limits. Funeral prayers were also reportedly disrupted.
The signatories further alleged that in certain districts the violence escalated into physical assaults on Christians. They claimed that some victims were tied to trees and beaten, while others were allegedly placed inside sacks and assaulted. The letter also mentioned a few reported instances of sexual violence and attempts to burn people alive, which, according to them, were stopped at the last moment.
Expressing particular concern, the activists said many victims had testified that police personnel joined hands with Hindutva organisations to force Christians into signing “compromise” agreements. These agreements allegedly required them to give up their faith and stop collective worship.
The letter also accused the police of registering serious criminal cases against victims of attacks instead of taking action against the attackers. According to the signatories, many of those attacked were detained in police stations and jails, while in some cases the police themselves allegedly played a direct role in intimidation and violence against Christians.
Stating that there appeared to be a “complete breakdown in the constitutional machinery of the state” in relation to Christian minorities, the activists urged the administration to uphold and protect the constitutional and religious rights of all citizens without discrimination based on religion, caste or creed.
The letter was signed by John Dayal, Aakar Patel, Vidya Dinker and Harsh Mander.
