'Alarming apathy': India lambasts Pakistan over demolition of century-old Punjab temple
A Hindu temple in Pakistan Punjab's Narowal, estimated to be over a century-old, was reportedly demolished on August 21.
India has strongly rebuked Pakistan for the reported destruction of a 100-year-old Hindu temple in the Punjab region, urging the Islamabad government to investigate the incident and hold accountable those responsible. This latest incident adds to a series of similar acts of vandalism against minority religious sites in Pakistan, which India has consistently condemned.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the reported demolition of the historic Hindu temple in Siraj, Narowal, stating that such acts of vandalism against minority places of worship are alarming and highlight the ongoing vulnerability of these communities. Jaiswal urged Pakistan to conduct a transparent investigation and ensure those responsible face consequences, while also demanding immediate remedial measures to restore the damaged temple and protect the safety and well-being of all minority citizens and their cultural heritage.
The Pakistan government has denied involvement, with the Evacuee Trust Property Board claiming the temple collapsed due to heavy rains, while a minority rights group alleges the structure was deliberately demolished to expand a nearby seminary. The temple, believed to be over 125 years old, was demolished on August 21, leading to a diplomatic row between the two nations.
Written by urgent.news from Hindustan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- 'Reprehensible act of vandalism': India flays Pak over demolition of old Hindu temple timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- India condemns alleged destruction of century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan indianexpress.com
