India Condemns Demolition of Century-Old Hindu Temple in Pakistan, Demands Probe

India on Wednesday strongly condemned the reported demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan’s Punjab province, urging Islamabad to conduct a prompt investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “deeply concerned” by reports of the destruction of the historic Hindu temple in Siraj village in Narowal district.

“We unequivocally condemn this reprehensible act of vandalism against a century-old minority place of worship,” Jaiswal said in a statement.

He said the alleged failure of Pakistani authorities to protect the temple was “alarming” and highlighted the continuing vulnerability of minority communities in the country.

“Such incidents are a stark reminder of the continuing vulnerability of minority communities and the egregious violations of their religious freedoms and places of worship in Pakistan,” Jaiswal said.

India called on Pakistan to conduct a “prompt and transparent investigation” and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable.

Jaiswal also urged Islamabad to take immediate steps to restore the desecrated temple and fulfil its responsibility to safeguard the security and well-being of minority citizens, as well as their cultural and religious heritage.

Temple Demolition Sparks Controversy in Pakistan

The reported demolition has also triggered controversy in Pakistan. According to Pakistani media reports, a minority rights organisation alleged that the temple was deliberately demolished to make way for the expansion of an adjoining seminary.

However, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) disputed the allegation, claiming that the temple collapsed following heavy rainfall.

The structure was demolished on August 21. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP), which works for minority rights, alleged that a group of people brought down the temple and removed bricks, metal fittings from its dome and other materials from the site.

The organisation subsequently approached authorities seeking action against those responsible and said the temple was believed to be more than 125 years old.