Qaiser Felix

Catholics in Muzafarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir, complain about their treatment. Despite government pledges there are neither churches nor cemeteries for them. People are instead forced to "dump the dead in the river".

It is a protest against the government's cold shoulder towards Christians victimised by Islamic extremism, says the Archbishop of Lahore. There is hope though that the new year will be better for Pakistan's religious minorities.

An extremist Islamic group offers a "deal" over the phone. "Making a deal with them might mean peace, but the culprits would then still be free" and "won't be punished for what they did."

This year Christmas will not be a time of useless expenses, but one of prayers and offerings to Kashmir quake survivors and to the Christians of Sangla Hill, victims of religious intolerance.

Mgrs Evarist Pinto and Anthony Lobo explain the difficult situation in their dioceses. "Evictions are a deeply rooted issue. Those in my diocese who have suffered cannot afford a lawyer or pay court expenses."

The president of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference has invited the community – which is preparing to "celebrate the loving presence of Jesus" – to remember those who suffer, especially quake survivors. An appeal was also made to the Sangla Hill Christians: "Tragic events, yes, but remain firm in the faith".

The visit of the Punjab Prime Minister to scenes of the aftermath of mass anti-Christian violence was followed by a pledge to take severe action against perpetrators and orders to repair damage done to places of worship. But Christian leaders are reiterating their call for a repeal of the blasphemy law first and foremost.

The AsiaNews correspondent in Sangla Hill has gathered witness accounts and precise accusations from the Christian community there, which saw churches, convents and schools burned down and looted. "Blasphemy has nothing to do with it," they say. "It's all about persecution." Torture at the police headquarters was reported. (Photos were taken by our correspondent: the Christian community of Sangla Hill and their destroyed property).

The Justice and Peace Commission accuses the police of "criminal negligence" because they did not intervene, and also criticizes ministers and politicians for not scrapping the blasphemy law.

The group has set up a tent-school where children can play and "come out of their mental shock". It asks people to pray for the victims, "but also for us". Reconstruction will be long.

Our correspondent in Muzafarabad describes the commitment of the small Catholic community to help survivors, as well as the discrimination it suffers every day. The parish priest: "Pray that local Catholics may help more and resolve their own problems".

Archbishop Pinto praises the youth involved in relief work for the "splendid job". It "will help alleviate the sufferings of the earthquake survivors".