Home Media Reports 2005 Mong attack 8 Ahmedis …

Saturday, October 08, 2005

8 Ahmedis killed in attack

* Unidentified gunmen open fire on prayer congregation in Mong
* President, prime minister condemn incident
Staff Report

MANDI BAHAUDDIN: Eight people were killed and 19 were injured when masked gunmen opened fire on an Ahmedi place of worship in Mandi Bahauddin on Friday. The gunmen opened fire on ‘Bait-uz-zikar’ during morning prayers, in Mong, a village near Mandi Bahauddin, killing two people on the spot, while six others succumbed to their wounds at the Divisional Headquarters Hospital. Of the 19 injured, five are said to be in critical condition. Two people were shifted to the Intensive Care Unit, while two people were sent Mayo Hospital, Lahore, and another was taken to the Combined Military Hospital, Kharian. The dead include Muhammad Aslam Kulla, Yasir Ahmad Kulla, Raja Muhammad Iltaf, Abid Khan, Raja Muhammad Ashraf, Naveed Ahmad, Raja Abdul Majeed and Raja Muhammad Ayub.

Police and other law enforcement agencies, who conducted the rescue operation along with residents of the area, said this was most likely a terrorist incident, and not sectarian in nature, since there was no sectarian enmity in the area. Sadar Police have registered a case against unidentified persons and are continuing investigation.

Agencies add: President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz condemned the heinous terrorist act in Mandi Bahauddin where eight people lost their lives on Friday. Directing the concerned authorities to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice, they offered their condolences to the bereaved families.

Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed and Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao condemned the attacks on the Ahmedi worship place. Sherpao said he had issued orders to tighten security at worship places. Pakistan has been on alert since the start of Ramazan, which has traditionally seen a surge in attacks.

The head of the Bait-uz-zikar, Sadiq Hussain Sherazi, said he was leading the prayer when he heard gunfire. “I immediately threw myself on the floor,” he said. “The attackers thought I was dead and that is what saved me. After a while I got up and saw bodies all around me,” he told AFP at the scene of the attack.

“People riddled with bullets were shouting for help. There was blood and chaos all around and the wall was full of bullet holes.” Neighbours rushed in and took the injured to hospital, Sherazi said. Six people were killed on the spot while two others died in the hospital, he added.

Area police chief Ziaullah Niazi said, “Two masked men entered the worship place and calmly sprayed bullets at people standing in two rows for morning prayers.” “One witness said they could hear the sound of a motorbike with its engine running outside throughout the attack.” No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

Source: www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_8-10-2005_pg1_3