Pakistan Rangers to protect Indian Sikhs

Lahore, Pakistan - The paramilitary Pakistan Rangers have been deployed to protect about 300 Indian Sikhs who will participate in the Jore Mela at Gurdwara Dera Sahib in this city.

The Sikhs, who arrived in Pakistan over the past few days, have travelled to Gurdawa Punja Sahib near Rawalpindi. They will reach Lahore on Monday to take part in the three-day festival.

“Keeping in view the law and order situation, we have deployed Pakistan Rangers and police for the security of the visiting yatris,” Syed Asif Hashmi, chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, told PTI.

After the recent attack on the minority Ahmadi community here that left 95 people dead, the government has beefed up security at all places of worship of minority communities.

“We have not only taken measures for the security of Sikh and Hindu pilgrims from abroad but also enhanced the security for locals,” Mr. Hashmi said.