Islamabad: A day after four Hindus were killed by unidentified gunmen in South Western Pakistan, Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali has promised "full protection" to the community and directed police to step up security for temples.

During his visit on February 9 to Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province, Jamali promised "full protection" to Hindus when he met a delegation of the community leaders, local news agency PPI reported on February 10.

The delegation of Hindu leaders, led by Parliament member Basant Lal, briefed Jamali about the killing of four Hindus on February 8 night.

The incident took place when gunmen entered a liquor shop in Quetta and tied the hands of six people. After tying their hands, the assailants opened fire on the six men, killing four of them, all Hindus. The two others, including a Hindu, also suffered injuries.

Jamali, who hails from Baluchistan province, promised that no leniency would be shown to the killers.

The funerals for the four Hindus took place in Quetta on February 9.

Hindu community leaders also sent telegrams to President Pervez Musharraf seeking his intervention to provide security to the community.

Security has been tightened at some Hindu temples, trading houses and residences following the incident, PPI said.

Baluchistan's government is ruled by a coalition led by Jamali's Pakistan Muslim League-Qaide Azam (PML-Q). Muthahida Majlis-e Amal (MMA), which advocated ban on liquor, is also part of the coalition.

PTI