‘Stark Reminder Of Minority Vulnerability’: MEA Slams Pakistan Over Hindu Temple Demolition

India on Wednesday condemned the demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan's Punjab province, calling it a “reprehensible act of vandalism” and expressing concern over the apparent failure of authorities to protect the site. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had noted reports of the destruction of the historic temple in Siraj village, Narowal district, in Pakistan.

Jaiswal said the incident highlighted the continuing vulnerability of minority communities and violations of their religious freedoms and places of worship in Pakistan.

The MEA called on the Pakistani government to conduct a “prompt and transparent investigation”, hold those responsible accountable and take immediate measures to restore the temple to its original state. It also urged Islamabad to protect minority citizens and their cultural heritage.

The temple, estimated to be 100 to 125 years old, stood across around 1,000 square metres in Siraj village, about 130 kilometres from Lahore. Local residents, minority organisations and a political party alleged that religious extremists demolished it to incorporate the land into a nearby madrasa.

The Pakistan Masihi Millat Party demanded action against those involved and the temple's reconstruction. Its president, Aslam Parvez Sahotra, said he submitted a written application to Punjab's home secretary on August 28, seeking action against perpetrators and officials accused of failing to protect the site.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board disputed the demolition allegations. Senior official Rana Iftikhar said the temple collapsed during heavy rain, adding that no temple was listed by name in the board's records, although the structure was 100 to 125 years old.

Iftikhar said land adjoining the temple had been leased for a madrasa, but the temple land itself had not been leased. He said senior ETPB officials would decide on reconstruction.

Hindu community leader Ratan Lal alleged that the district administration and ETPB failed to protect the site or remove alleged encroachers.

Vinita Bhat is a Chief Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with experience in TV and digital journalism. She covers geopolitics, international conflicts, global current affairs and Kashmir.

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