New Delhi: India has strongly condemned the reported demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan’s Punjab province, calling the incident a disturbing example of the vulnerability faced by the country’s religious minorities.
The historic temple, located in Siraj village of Narowal district, was reportedly demolished on August 21. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed “deep concern” over the destruction and described it as a “reprehensible act of vandalism” against a minority place of worship.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal criticised what India termed the “apparent apathy” of Pakistani authorities and their failure to protect the temple. He said such incidents highlight continuing concerns over religious freedom and the safety of minority communities in Pakistan.
India has demanded that Islamabad conduct a prompt and transparent investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. New Delhi has also called for immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple and safeguard the country’s minority citizens and their cultural heritage.
The demolition has triggered controversy within Pakistan as well. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party, a minority rights organisation, alleged that the temple was deliberately demolished to facilitate the expansion of an adjoining seminary. The group claimed that bricks, metal fittings from the dome and other material were removed from the site.
However, Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board disputed the allegation, claiming that the structure collapsed following heavy rainfall.
The conflicting claims have intensified calls for a credible investigation. For India, the episode underscores the need for Pakistan to demonstrate through concrete action that its minority communities and their places of worship are genuinely protected.
