Hindu rioters burn alive Indian Muslim family of six

[Naveed Yaseen]

HYDERABAD: Rioters in southern India killed six members of a Muslim family by setting fire to their home after earlier clashes between Hindus and Muslims left four others dead and 15 injured in the same village, officials said on Sunday.

Tensions have been high in Vatoli village since Friday when violence and looting erupted between the two sides, leading to four deaths, said Andhra Pradesh Home Minister K Jana Reddy.

Authorities imposed a curfew on Friday, but were unable to stop the deadly arson attack, which apparently occurred before dawn on Sunday, Reddy said. “It is a beastly and barbaric act,” Reddy told reporters on Sunday. “Police are investigating the case and we will catch the culprits.”

Three children, including a 2-year-old, were among the six burned to death, he said.

Muslim leaders called for better protection for minorities, especially in rural areas.

“Despite our repeated pleas and appeals, the government has failed to provide protection to the Muslims who live in remote areas and who have a very small population in those places,” said Asaduddin Owaisi, a member of the lower house of the national parliament. ap

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp...2008_pg1_3