India on Wednesday condemned the reported destruction of a century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal, in Pakistan’s Punjab, and asked Islamabad to investigate, hold those responsible to account, and restore the site.
Cover photo: File photo of MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, via The Indian Express
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had noted “with deep concern the disturbing reports of the destruction of a historic Hindu temple” and “unequivocally condemn[ed] 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,” he said. He called the episode a “stark reminder of the continuing vulnerability of minority communities and the egregious violations of their religious freedoms and places of worship in Pakistan.”
The temple is in Siraj village, Narowal, about 130 kilometres from Lahore. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party and local residents have said a group demolished the structure on 21 August, allegedly to expand an adjoining seminary. Pakistani officials have said part of the temple collapsed in torrential rain and that the government has committed to restore it.
India asked Pakistan to “take immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple” and to guarantee the safety of minority citizens and their cultural heritage. The Wire noted that the statement comes two months after New Delhi condemned the reported demolition of a gurdwara in Pakistani Punjab.
Reporting: The Indian Express, India Today, The Times of India, The Tribune.
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