8 Christians die in riots in Pakistan

LAHORE, Pakistan: Paramilitary troops patrolled the streets of an eastern Pakistani city yesterday after eight Christians died in riots led by Muslims, according to police.

Hundreds of Muslims burned and looted Christian homes in the city of Gorja in a rampage sparked by allegations that a Quran had been defaced. Shooting broke out, and six people were killed, including a child and four women. Two men wounded by gunfire died in the hospital overnight.

Officials said the riots, which began on Thursday but had calmed before flaring again Saturday, had been instigated by members of a banned extremist Muslim organization.