Angry mob torches church in Punjab after rumours of Quran burning in U.S.

Sangrur, Sep.13 (ANI): The district administration of Sangrur in Punjab had to impose curfew at Malerkotla city on Monday, after a mob vandalised a church and set it on fire here last night.

The torching of the church was caused by some rumours of desecration of the holy Quran in the United States.

Meanwhile, top brass of the State police here claimed that consequent to the imposition of curfew restrictions, the situation had come under control and peace prevailed.

"The situation is peaceful, the situation is under control and barring yesterday's mishap no untoward incident has taken place. The residents of the city are helping the police and the administration. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are camping here since yesterday night," said Jitendra Jain, Deputy Inspector General, Sangrur Range, Punjab Police.

An incensed mob torched the property of a church and violence erupted late on Sunday after hearsay that the copies of Quran had been set on fire in Michigan, USA.

The rumours gained ground due to the recent controversy in the USA where a pastor in Florida threatened to desecrate the copies of the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

The controversial Florida pastor later cancelled his plan to burn copies of Quran following criticism from highest authorities in United States. (ANI)