Ram Leela Temple in Dera Ismail Khan sealed amid demolition fears

DERA ISMAIL KHAN authorities sealed the centuries-old Ram Leela Temple in Rahim Bazaar on Saturday following civil society activists' protests against its demolition for a commercial plaza. The building had previously been sealed by Assistant Commissioner Hamid Siddiq after public outcry, halting construction efforts, according to local sources.

Civil society representatives and Hindu community members convened at the office of civil society president Sohail Ahmed Azmi to address the reported demolition plans. They denounced the proposed construction and urged elected officials to address the issue in the National Assembly. The meeting, comprising former MPA Kishore Kumar, social worker Muhammad Nauman, and others, highlighted the temple's status among approximately 400 cultural heritage properties in the city identified by the Evacuee Trust Property Board.

Concerns were raised over potential demolition, with participants vowing to oppose any actions endangering the city's historical heritage. They also accused authorities of granting permission for the commercial plaza's construction without proper legal backing. The activists demanded an investigation and pledged to submit complaints to the district administration, National Assembly speaker, archaeology department, and other pertinent bodies.