Gojra tragedy: Prime Minister announces Rs 100 million compensation

Prime Minister, Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday vowing to bring the perpetrators of the Gojra violence to book, announced a compensation of Rs 100 million, matching a grant announced by the provincial government for the affectees. The prime minister, who visited the affected town to express his solidarity with the Christian community, assured the affected families of immediate relief.
He said, "The Punjab chief minister has set up a judicial commission and no one is above law and the responsible persons will be awarded strict punishment." He said it was the prime responsibility of the government to protect the life and property of its citizens, and he assured that the government would discharge its responsibility.
The prime minister announced that the federal government would give a compensation of Rs 100 million, and said a similar amount was announced by the Chief Minister to cover the estimated losses of Rs 200 million. Prime Minister Gilani, who along with a gathering, observed a minute's silence in remembrance of those who fell victim to the recent violence, and said Christian community were true Pakistanis and playing a vital role in the development and progress of the country.
He said, "The government under the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah is ensuring that all minorities get equal rights." He said, "It is also the PPP's manifesto to ensure that they get their due rights." He said the development funds of minority members had also been doubled like other elected representatives. The prime minister said the government would ensure that the five percent quota for the Christian community was also observed.
He said the incident had been strongly condemned by the cabinet and the national assembly, as it believed that violence was detrimental to national development. He said the interfaith committee had already been set up to forge stronger ties between members of all faiths. He said the number of scholarships for the minority students would be increased and August 11 would be observed as minorities day.
Meanwhile, the inquiry into the Gojra incident continued for the second day on Thursday by Justice Iqbal Hamiduddin and Additional and Sessions Judge Muzaffar Hussain Shah, who earlier visited the Christian Colony Gojra. A court official said, "As many as 447 witnesses have, so far, registered their names and phone numbers at the Additional and District Sessions Court Gojra, and some of them made statements before the inquiry tribunal on Thursday."
Court Sources said the judges examined the burnt houses and met with victims. Priest of the village's Church, Father Shafiq Masih apprised the judges of the area's condition. Seven Christians were burnt alive in the recent violence in Gojra. Meanwhile, Wapda has restored power supply to the area after installing 45 electric meters. The government has set up a makeshift dispensary, while Nadra mobile van is issuing CNICs in the affected area.