Indian Thought Latest News & Views
Punjab: India has condemned reports of the demolition of a Hindu temple—over 125 years (125-year ) old—in Pakistan’s Punjab province and has urged the Shehbaz government to investigate the incident and hold the perpetrators accountable. Reacting to the news, Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said, “We have expressed deep concern over disturbing reports regarding the demolition of a historic Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal district, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this deplorable act of vandalism against a minority place of worship that was over a century old. The Pakistan government must take immediate corrective measures to restore the desecrated temple and fulfill its primary responsibility.”
**India Takes a Firm Stand Against Pakistan**
In its statement, India noted that the apparent apathy of the authorities and the failure to protect this century-old temple are matters of concern. Such incidents serve as a stark reminder that minority communities in Pakistan remain constantly insecure, facing serious violations of their religious rights and places of worship. We call upon the Pakistan government to conduct an immediate and transparent investigation into this incident and hold the perpetrators fully accountable.
**Controversy Erupts in Pakistan Over Temple Demolition**
The demolition of the temple in Narowal has sparked controversy within Pakistan as well. A minority rights group alleges that the structure was deliberately demolished to facilitate the expansion of a nearby madrasa. However, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) claims that the temple collapsed due to heavy rains. The temple was demolished on August 21.
Subsequently, the ‘Pakistan Masiha Millat Party’ (PMMP)—an organization advocating for minority rights—alleged that a group of individuals demolished the structure and removed bricks, metal fittings from the dome, and other materials from the site. The PMMP also approached the authorities, demanding action against those responsible for the demolition. The group states that the temple was over 125 years old.
