Pakistani police say a harsh Islamist group has taken six security personnel hostage at its Lahore headquarters on Sunday after a week of violent clashes following the arrest of the group’s leader.
The Tehrik-i-Labaik Pakistan Group (TLP) had given the government a deadline of April 20 to expel the French ambassador in connection with the publication of cartoons in France depicting the Prophet Mohammad. Authorities responded by arresting its leader, prompting supporters to stage protests and sit-ins across Pakistan. At least four people were killed, hundreds injured and thousands arrested. Pakistan has banned the group after violence.
A senior police officer and two paramilitaries were among the six detainees held by supporters (TLP), Lahore police spokesman Arif Rana told Reuters.
“TLP activists have two fuel tanks containing thousands of liters of gasoline. They drop petrol bombs and stones on security officers and also shoot bullets in which 11 officers are injured,” Rana said, adding that the operation is ongoing.
TLP spokesman Shafiq Amini told Reuters that four supporters were killed by police on Sunday and that several others were injured.
Pakistani news channels have been banned from covering the group since it was banned last week.
Roads to the group’s headquarters in Lahore’s Chowk Yateemkahan have been blocked.
However, TLP supporters shared videos on social media about what they said were clashes with police on Sunday, and the hashtags supporting the group are trending on Sunday in Pakistan.
The videos, which Reuters could not independently verify, showed thousands of protesters confronting police in riot gear as tears of tear gas were heard in the air and squeaks of gunfire. Other videos showed the injured protesters being taken.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said the group had it
it was banned because it “challenged the state’s demand and used street violence and attacked the public and law enforcement.”
Last week, France advised its citizens to leave Pakistan temporarily for their own safety. Read more .
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