Religious freedom activists have called for “decisive action” in Pakistan after a Christian labourer died of injuries he sustained when he was beaten by four men after being accused of “contaminating” a well by bathing in it.
Saleem Masih, 22, was attacked after, having finished work, he washed himself on 25th February and was accused by the landowners of contaminating the well, according to reports. Representatives of UK-based religious freedom organisation CSW says local sources told them Masih was restrained with chains, dragged and beaten with rods by the landowner and four other men. He died in hospital from severe injuries to his organs on 28th February.
The man’s father, Ghafoor Masih, told Morning Star News that his son’s attackers “cursed and abused Saleem for ‘polluting’ the water, calling him a ‘filthy Christian’.
“They then dragged him to their cattle farm, where they chained his hands and feet and continued to torture him with sticks and rods. They also rolled a thick iron rod over his entire body, causing multiple fractures in his left arm and ribs. Saleem couldn’t bear the pain and fell unconscious.”
The attack, which has been reported to police, occurred in the same region – near the city of Kasur, south of Lahore – where brick kiln labourers Shehzad and Shama Masih were lynched and burned to death in November, 2014, for allegedly committing blasphemy by burning the pages of the Quran.
Michelle Chaudhry, president of Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation – which supports religious minorities in Pakistan, said the “horrific act of violence” was a “grim reminder that intolerance in the name of religion in Pakistan has escalated beyond the rule of law”.
“Unfortunately, in Pakistan, when it comes to the religious minorities anyone is free to act as a prosecutor, judge and executor,” she said. “We cannot allow this to go on; impunity around violence against religious minorities in Pakistan has to end.”
Chaudhry demanded federal and provincial governments ensured the “safety and protection of all non-Muslim Pakistanis as enshrined in the constitution of the country”.
“Incidents such as these send a wave of insecurity which leaves communities feeling extremely vulnerable. It is the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens regardless of faith, caste or gender. Furthermore, accountability is pivotal in order to prevent such violence in the future. We demand that an impartial inquiry is carried out and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.””
Mervyn Thomas, the chief executive of CSW, extended his “deepest condolences” to the family of Saleem Masih.
“It is unacceptable that Christians in Pakistan still face discrimination and hatred on account of their religious identity. The government of Pakistan must take decisive action against the perpetrators of hate and those who carry out such crimes. We also urge the authorities to fully commit to the long-term work of overcoming the prejudiced mindset towards religious minorities in society.”
