1 hr ago
India Condemns Alleged Demolition of Century-Old Pakistan Temple
A very old Hindu temple in Pakistan was destroyed on August 21.
It stood in Siraj village in the Narowal area.
Pakistani officials said heavy monsoon rains caused the building to collapse.
Local residents and minority rights groups said people intentionally tore it down.
They said the land may have been wanted for a nearby religious school.
India criticized the reported destruction and said minority places of worship must be protected.
India asked Pakistan to investigate and hold anyone responsible accountable.
It also asked Pakistan to restore the temple.
The reports said the incident raised wider concerns about the safety of minority religious sites.
India condemned the reported destruction of a century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal, Pakistan.
The temple was demolished on August 21, although Pakistani officials attributed its destruction to heavy monsoon rains.
Residents and minority rights groups alleged that the temple was deliberately dismantled to expand an adjoining seminary.
India demanded a prompt, transparent investigation, accountability, and immediate restoration of the temple.
The incident intensified concerns about the protection of Hindu and other minority religious sites in Pakistan.
- Who
- India, represented by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the reported destruction; Pakistani officials, local residents, and minority rights groups gave differing accounts.
- What
- A century-old Hindu temple was reportedly demolished or destroyed, prompting demands for an investigation and reconstruction.
- Where
- Siraj village in the Narowal area of Punjab province, Pakistan.
- When
- The temple was demolished on August 21; India issued its condemnation on Wednesday, according to the reports.
- Why
- The cause is disputed: officials cited heavy monsoon rains, while residents and minority rights groups alleged deliberate demolition to expand an adjoining seminary.
Community and Indian Concerns
Official Weather-Related Account
Cause of destruction
Community and Indian Concerns
Local residents and minority rights groups said the temple was deliberately dismantled, allegedly to expand an adjoining seminary. Reports also accused members of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan of removing metal fittings and bricks.
Official Weather-Related Account
Provincial officials and the Evacuee Trust Property Board said heavy monsoon rains caused the structure to collapse.
Authorities' responsibility
Community and Indian Concerns
India and minority organizations said authorities failed to protect a historic minority place of worship and called for accountability and reconstruction.
Official Weather-Related Account
The reports do not provide a detailed Pakistani government response to India's demands, so Pakistan's position on an investigation and restoration is not specified.
Broader meaning
Community and Indian Concerns
India described the incident as evidence of the continuing vulnerability of minority communities and violations of religious freedoms in Pakistan.
Official Weather-Related Account
The official account characterized the event as a weather-related collapse rather than an intentional attack on a religious site.
Key facts
- Temple age
- More than 100 years old; one report described it as approximately 125 years old.
- Location
- Siraj village, Narowal, Punjab province, Pakistan.
- Reported date
- August 21.
- Approximate area
- About 1,000 square metres.
- Official explanation
- Provincial officials and the Evacuee Trust Property Board said heavy monsoon rains caused the structure to collapse.
- Community allegation
- Residents and minority rights groups alleged that the temple was intentionally dismantled to make room for an adjacent seminary.
- India's demands
- A prompt and transparent investigation, accountability for those responsible, and immediate restoration of the temple.
Quotes
Randhir Jaiswal
Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson
“We call upon the Government of Pakistan to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. Furthermore, the Government of Pakistan must take immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple and fulfill its primary obligation to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all its minority citizens and their cultural heritage.”
republicworld.com
thehansindia.com
“We unequivocally condemn this reprehensible act of vandalism against a century old minority place of worship. The apparent apathy of authorities and failure to protect this century-old temple is alarming. Such incidents are a stark reminder of the continuing vulnerability of minority communities and the egregious violations of their religious freedoms and places of worship in Pakistan.”
indianexpress.com
thehansindia.com
Sources
'Religious Freedoms Violated': India Condemns Vandalism of 100-Year-Old Temple in Pakistan, Demands Restoration & Fair Probe
India condemns alleged destruction of century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan
Stark reminder of continuing vulnerability of minority communities in Pakistan: India on demolition of century-old Hindu temple
Related news
Pakistan Temple Demolition Sparks Investigation and Restoration Demands
Quetta Sikh Community Alleges Historic Gurdwara Demolished for Mall
Zardari's 'tolerate 4% Hindus' comment draws minority rights scrutiny
MEA Calls New Delhi Removal a Proportionate Response
Pakistan’s Minority Communities Face Violence, Impunity and Weak Protections
India Removes Structures Outside Pakistan High Commission After Islamabad Move
Central Gurudwara Sahib Marks Centenary With Hyderabad Marathon
Lawyer-turned-Nihang Sikh says Waheguru ordered Badal attack
Delhi unveils four eco-friendly tourism circuits on August 11
Students Protest NEET Paper Leak in Secret
