Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamath,

Lahore; May 29, 2010: In a meticulously planned attack, sectarian terrorists carried out a slaughter of Ahmadi worshippers who had gathered for Friday worship in two major Ahmadiyya mosques in Garhi Shahu and Model Town of Lahore. Absence of any effective police presence enabled them to succeed in their gory operation, as planned. Ninety-four worshippers died and eighty were injured, according to the latest information.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The attacks were timed to be simultaneous. Two or three attackers targeted the Model Town mosque while a larger contingent attacked the bigger Garhi Shahu mosque. The terrorists killed or injured the few community guards and stormed the main assembly halls. When inside, the attackers used hand grenades and sprayed bullets indiscriminately on the worshippers. At Garhi Shahu they availed plenty of time to expend their ammunition. Many more casualties occurred when they blew themselves up.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ The police arrived in due course and apparently took their time to ensure a safe and smooth intervention. As a result, little timely rescue and evacuation efforts were made which resulted in death of many injured due to bleeding. According to media reports two police officers were injured slightly at the initial stage at the Garhi Shahu site.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ Two terrorists were apprehended by Ahmadi youth in Model Town mosque, stopping them from blowing themselves up. This contained the damage. They were handed over to the police.

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ According to press reports, three heads of suicide bombers were recovered from the Garhi Shahu mosque. Almost a month ago the Governor of Punjab made a public statement that the province is on knife-edge as extremists take hold, and he accused politicians of backing banned groups as minorities suffer violence and intimidation. The Federal Interior Minister also said that his ministry had warned the Punjab government of possible terrorist attacks.