Pak to act against those behind beheading

The Pakistan Taliban beheaded two Sikhs and sent their bodies to a gurudwara in Peshawar on Sunday. The two men were kidnapped in separate incidents for ransom by gunmen of the Tehrik-e-Taliban. At least two other Sikhs are still in the custody of the terrorists.

India reacted angrily to the beheading calling it "most barbaric" and the issue may be discussed when the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries meet on February 25.

CNN-IBN grilled Pakistan's Minority Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti on the beheading.

CNN-IBN: There's shock and outrage in India over the beheadings Mr Bhatti. How can you explain such a brutal attack on minorities in your country?

Shahbaz Bhatti: We strongly condemn this act of violence that was committed in which a fellow was beheaded. We have ordered the investigation and we will properly and thoroughly investigate the incident, and we will not allow anyone to commit such acts of violence.

CNN-IBN: What do you know about the groups behind these killings?

Shahbaz Bhatti: We are investigating this incident. It's too early to say who is involved. When we get the complete report we will surely, certainly make it public.

CNN-IBN: In the past year an increasing number of Sikhs have also fled to India fearing for their lives there. Is not that a real failure of your government, of your ministry to not be able to protect them?

Shahbaz Bhatti: We are providing all the opportunities to all minorities, including the Sikh community to profess their religion freely. We celebrate all religious festivals and no such incident happened on their religious festivals. These incidents happen in those bordering areas where we are fighting against terrorism. This is not a case of minorities only. But we are also losing lives of civilian Pakistanis, losing lives of innocent soldiers who are battling terrorism. So I think that our government is committed to curb terrorism and we are taking initiative to protect the life and property of minorities. Certainly, the minority rights are the prime priority of our government. The President and Prime minister have also taken a serious note of this incident.

CNN-IBN: You say you will take measures. But what concrete measures do you mean?

Shahbaz Bhatti: The first step is that we are investigating this incident. Whoever is involved in this, we will take action against them. A stiff punishment according to the law will be awarded to the people who are responsible for this. The second thing is that we will enhance the security among the areas where the minorities are living. I think the protection of the life and property of every citizen is the responsibility of the government. We are a responsible government and we will take all the possible action.

CNN-IBN: Many in India have protested today. Some are saying there can be no talks with Pakistan after this brutal beheading and until you take some steps to secure minorities.

Shahbaz Bhatti: I think this should not at all be part of this development in the dialogues between Pakistan and India. This incident is committed by few elements and those elements who are not sincere with Pakistan, those elements who are not friendly with Pakistan, they are the enemies of peace. They are enemies of human beings. They are enemies of peace loving people. So we are taking all action against them. This is not committed by the government. This is not committed by Pakistani society. These are elements who are disturbing the law and order situations. These are elements attacking our school. These are elements attacking all other institutes. We are taking all possible action against them.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)

#Sikhs #Taliban #Beheading #India