Sikhs hold protest over killing of 'hakeem' in NW Pakistan

Pakistani Sikhs held protest against the killing of a hakeem (doctor) from the minority community in the country's restive northwestern Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa province.
Incidents like abduction and killing of the community members are "part of the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa", protest leader Sardar Charanjeet said.
Protesters were also angry with the abduction of two community members from Dera Ismail Khan district a month ago.
Charanjeet condemned the attack on minorities and demanded the provincial government to take steps for their protection.
Four gunmen had stormed Pramjeet Singh's clinic in the busy Shabqadar bazaar in Charsadda district on Thursday, killing him and his assistant Zahid Khan.

The protest, which began yesterday, continued until the bodies of the deceased were sent to Attock city in Punjab province for cremation.

"There is no doubt that every citizen of the province is a victim of the precarious situation," said Charanjeet, adding, "but non-Muslims are more insecure and marginalised as compared to others."
He emphasised the Sikh are peaceful people and have no rivalries with anyone. "We are Pakistani citizens and are ready to render any sacrifices for the country," said Hardyal Singh, another protester.
The protesters demanded immediate arrest of those behind the Thursday's attack and asked the provincial government to punish them.

Provincial capital Peshawar has a sizable Sikh population and there have been several instances in recent years of members of the minority community being kidnapped for ransom.