Pakistan: Locals block national highway over killing of Hindu businessman in Ghotki

Satan Lal, the businessman, was shot dead by influential elements allegedly belonging to the Dahar community, living two kilometres away from the Daharki town of Ghotki district, reports Pakistan's The Express Tribune newspaper.

"There was an inauguration of a cotton factory and flour mill on the land of Satan Lal where some people shot and killed him," Lal's friend Mukhi Anil Kumar, who was present at the scene, told The Express Tribune over the phone.

"We initially thought that it was aerial firing to welcome Sain Sadhram Sahib, spiritual leader of the community," he added.

Following the sit-in, police arrested ring leader Bachal Dahar and his accomplices accused of killing Lal, the newspaper reported.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) police Sukkur told the newspaper that the people involved in the incident had been arrested.

The protesters later cleared the highway.

Satan Lal had told the newspaper: "They are threatening to kill me, smash my eyes and cut my hands and feet. They are asking me to leave Pakistan. I belong to this country and would prefer to die here but will not surrender."

Meanwhile, talking to media persons, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khehal Das Kohistani was quoted as saying by the newspaper that efforts were afoot to tarnish the image of co-existence in Sindh where Hindu and Muslims live peacefully for centuries."