Hundreds of Muslim students attacked a Christian school in the town of Bannu, Khyber Paktunkhwa, during an anti-Charlie Hebdo protest on Monday. The Militant youths demanded the immediate closure of the ‘school for infidels’
Between 200 and 300 Muslim students from local colleges and schools rallied for a planned demonstration against cartoons printed in the French satirical magazine, called Charlie Hebdo. When they passed by Panel School, a known Christian School the young people rioted, throwing missiles at the school, climbing over the walls and forcing the gates open from the inside. Some of the rioters carried guns.
Four Christian students were hurt in the clash and had to be taken to hospital. The rioters smashed windows, damaged doors and destroyed as much property inside the school, as possible.
School principal Fredrick Farhan Das kept the school shut on Tuesday while repairs were being made. He explained that despite the hate comments directed towards the Christian faith and Christian students by rioters, that local Police have registered the incident as one not targeting Christianity.
District police officer Abdul Rashid Khan confirmed the incident occurred, but said it was not thought to be an anti-Christian attack.
Wilson Chowdhry Chairman of the BPCA, said;
“This attack was unprovoked and resulted in significant damage to a Christian school and it’s young students, none of whom supported Charlie Hebdo. The rioting Muslim students did not attack any other buildings and shouted anti-Christian slogans, yet local police have openly declared that the attack was not one directed at Christians? As naive or contrived as the police report maybe, the most heinous aspect of this sickening attack is the fact that young Muslim’s could have such hatred for fellow students simply because of their faith. Moreover, this despicable attack is indicative of intolerance ingrained within the next generation, illustrating that persecution and discrimination of Christians will worsen.”