On July 5, unidentified individuals vandalized the graves of three Ahmadis buried in the joint cemetery at Qaziyan Chowk, in Kotli, Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK).
The upturned epitaphs of the three graves, and other damage, was discovered by mourners who come to pay their respects to the deceased.
"This act of desecration is deplorable and goes against the principles of respect and tolerance. We must stand united against such acts of religious intolerance," a local said.
A few days ago, in the first week of July 2023, the local administration of Sheikhupura in the neighbouring Punjab province had removed the inscriptions and epitaphs from the graves of 10 Ahmadis buried in the joint cemetery of Kijarwala.
"How long will this sad situation continue?" asked a relative of one of those buried in Sheikhupura. "Why does the pleasure of a few miscreants become important for the government?" he questioned.
"Ahmadis have as much right on this earth as anyone else," he added.
READ MORE: Religious Persecution: Ahmadis Barred From Performing Rituals on Eid-ul-Azha
The incident follows a period where a ban was imposed on Ahmadis from observing the ritual sacrifice of Eidul Azha. At least 14 Ahmadis were either arrested or detained, including a 15-year-old boy. At least eight sacrificial animals bought by Ahmadis for sacrifice were also stolen while some others were confiscated.
The upturned epitaphs of the three graves, and other damage, was discovered by mourners who come to pay their respects to the deceased.
"This act of desecration is deplorable and goes against the principles of respect and tolerance. We must stand united against such acts of religious intolerance," a local said.
A few days ago, in the first week of July 2023, the local administration of Sheikhupura in the neighbouring Punjab province had removed the inscriptions and epitaphs from the graves of 10 Ahmadis buried in the joint cemetery of Kijarwala.
"How long will this sad situation continue?" asked a relative of one of those buried in Sheikhupura. "Why does the pleasure of a few miscreants become important for the government?" he questioned.
"Ahmadis have as much right on this earth as anyone else," he added.
READ MORE: Religious Persecution: Ahmadis Barred From Performing Rituals on Eid-ul-Azha
The incident follows a period where a ban was imposed on Ahmadis from observing the ritual sacrifice of Eidul Azha. At least 14 Ahmadis were either arrested or detained, including a 15-year-old boy. At least eight sacrificial animals bought by Ahmadis for sacrifice were also stolen while some others were confiscated.