Islamic State Wilayah Khorasan (ISKP), the Afghan offshoot of the Islamic States, has claimed responsibility for the targeted killings of two Sikh businessmen in Pakistan on Sunday, May 15. The Sikh men were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The victims identified as Saljeet Singh (42) and Ranjeet Singh (38) died on the spot after being attacked by two bike-borne assailants.
This was the latest targeted killing of minority community members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
India expressed grave concern and registered a strong protest over the killing of two Sikh men. Speaking about the incident, the foreign ministry spokesperson said, “We have registered our strong protest with the Government of Pakistan on continued targeting of members of the minority community in Pakistan. We call upon the authorities concerned to sincerely investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for this deplorable incident.”
“We expect that the Government of Pakistan, in discharge of its responsibilities, will look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities,” the ministry said in a statement.
Following this, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz said he has ordered a high level inquiry to ascertain the facts behind the Peshawar killings. The killers will be arrested and met out exemplary punishment, he said.
Strongly condemn the killing of our Sikh citizens in Peshawar, KP. Pakistan belongs to all its people. Have ordered a high level inquiry to ascertain facts. The killers will be arrested & met out exemplary punishment. My most sincere sympathies to the bereaved families.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 15, 2022
Another killing of Sikhs in Pakistan. 2 shopkeepers, Ranjeet Singh & Saljeet Singh shot dead in Peshawar. This is highly condemnable.
I’ve always said, @GovtofPakistan only does lip services for Sikhs without ensuring their security. Request @PMOIndia to take serious note.— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) May 15, 2022
Former Punjab CM Amarinder Singh also condemned the incident. He said, “Another killing of Sikhs in Pakistan. 2 shopkeepers, Ranjeet Singh & Saljeet Singh shot dead in Peshawar. This is highly condemnable. I’ve always said, @GovtofPakistan only does lip services for Sikhs without ensuring their security.”
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has directed the police to take immediate steps to arrest the culprits. He termed the incident a conspiracy against disrupting inter-faith harmony and said that justice will be provided to the families of the dead.
(With inputs from PTI)
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