Christians hold open air mass after Muslims torch churches

ISLAMABAD, Monday (AFP) Hundreds of Christians worshipped in the open air after a Muslim mob in eastern Pakistan burnt down churches over allegations that a Christian had desecrated the Koran, officials and witnesses said.

The crowd, including women wearing black armbands to protest Saturday's attacks, also demanded protection for the minority community in the small town of Sangla Hill. "They held their Sunday mass and dispersed peacefully," police officer Mohammad Asghar told AFP. A police contingent cordoned off the area near a gutted church in Sangla Hill, 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Lahore, capital of Punjab province. The crowd dispersed after Catholic Archbishop Lawrence Saldanaha advised them not to retaliate.

"The situation is under complete control now," home secretary of the Punjab provincial government, Khusro Pervez, told AFP.

"Police have arrested around 90 people for rioting and violence and vandalising Christian property," he said. Yousaf Masih, a Christian accused of desecrating the Muslim holy book, has been detained, he added.

Witnesses said two Catholic churches and one chapel were destroyed in the attack by more than 1,000 enraged Muslims. The mob then ransacked a Christian school setting its furniture on fire.