October 2023 Persecution Magazine

“What I encountered was a scene of profound devastation. Every
item within the homes had been reduced to ashes or torn into
unrecognizable pieces. From ceiling fans to toilet seats, no object
had been spared from the relentless flames”
- GINGER, ICC STAFF MEMBER
WHAT WAS IT LIKE WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED ON THE SCENE?
Ginger: I arrived at the scene 22 hours after the unjust vandalism had taken place. My first stop was at Essa Nagri. What I encountered
was a scene of profound devastation. Every item within the homes had been reduced to ashes or torn into unrecognizable pieces. From
ceiling fans to toilet seats, no object had been spared from the relentless flames. The air still bore the scent of the chemicals that had
been used in the destruction.
As I entered the churches, the extent of the damage became even more heart-wrenching. Bibles, symbols of faith, had been ruthlessly
set ablaze. Carpets, chairs, fans, and even electrical sockets lay shattered and broken, a testament to the senseless destruction that had
unfolded within these sacred places of worship.
In Christian Town, which incidentally is the hometown of the accused, the scene was different. The area was heavily fortified with a
notable presence of police and rangers. Makeshift tents had been erected to block off access to the streets, effectively keeping the media
and outsiders at bay. It was a considerable challenge to gain entry.
Once inside, I found that the houses were vacant. The inhabitants fled, seeking safety from the chaos that had descended on their lives.
Only a handful of male residents remained. Their tears and expressions mirrored the sheer horror of seeing their cherished residences
reduced to smoldering ruins.
Ironically, during my visit to Christian Town, I crossed paths with some Muslim individuals. The expressions on their faces spoke volumes
about their emotions; they seemed unmistakably proud of their actions, wearing their perceived “achievement” as a badge of honor.
Oscar: When we went to the affected area, the place looked like burnt-out ruins. The voices of people screaming and shouting could be
heard, and the view was no less than any hell.
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Persecution | OCTOBER 2023