All entry and exit points of Lahore’s Youhanabad area were sealed earlier today as the Christian community prepared to bury their loved ones who were killed in Sunday’s twin suicide bomb attacks.
At least 15 people were killed and over 80 others wounded when two suicide bombers blew themselves up during prayers at two churches in the Youhanabad neighbourhood of Lahore.
The dead toll later rose to 17 as two more people succumbed to their injuries.
The suicide blasts sparked mob violence in the city. The mob smashed vehicles and attacked a city bus station in a rare show of anger following the blasts.
Yesterday, thousands of Christians rioted in Lahore, smashing property and vehicles as they clashed with police in a straight second day of protests. 2 men were burnt alive by the charged mob, while a woman drove over and killed one protester and injured four others when the charged mob tried to stop her vehicle.
The Punjab Government has deployed Rangers at Youhanabad to control violent protesters.
Officials said all entry and exit points of the area have been sealed to avert any untoward incident on the occasion of funerals in the area at around 11:00 am, with thousands of policemen also deployed to safeguard Metro Bus station.
