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Ahmadiyah Spokesperson Zafrullah Ahmad Pontoh (Antara/ Maulana Surya Tri Utama)

VIVAnews - An orphanage belonging to a modern Islamic group Ahmadiyah which is situated in Cicariang, Kawalu, Tasikmalaya, West Java, is threatened to be burnt down by riot. Hasanah Kautsar orphanage has been in the area for around 10 years.

“It’s already inhuman to lock us up in the orphanage not to mention burning [the orphanage] down,” said spokesperson of Ahmadiyah, Zafrullah Ahmad Pontoh, today, Dec 8.

According to Zafrullah, the occurrence took place yesterday as a handful of state officials tried to seal the building. Children of 10-14 years of age were still inside the building when the officials locked the gate.

“A few minutes after, a group of people shouted outside of the complex saying that they wanted to set the orphanage on fire. It’s a social house. We don’t understand their logic,” he said.

The building was owned by a member of Ahmadiyah living in Tasikmalaya. “It’s home of some orphans as well. Why does it matter for them if the building is used for praying?“ he said.

In the meantime, Kawalu and Tasikmalaya police departments have yet to share any information.

Earlier, Minister of Religious Affairs, Suryadharma Ali, requested Ahmadiyah to disband the group. According to Suryadharma, Ahmadiyah has been against a Joint Decree of Three Ministers.

“Ahmadiyah should be disassembled as soon as possible. Otherwise, more problems will keep on appearing,” Suryadharma said on August 30, 2010.

Source:   http://en.vivanews.com/news/read/192873-riot-threatens-to- burn-down-orphanage