India Condemns Destruction Of Century Old Hindu Temple In Pakistan, Demands Probe

India has strongly condemned the reported destruction of a century old Hindu temple in Siraj village in Pakistan’s Narowal district, calling it a “reprehensible act of vandalism” and demanding a prompt, transparent investigation.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday that India had noted with “deep concern” reports of the destruction of the historic temple, which was reportedly demolished on August 21. The site is located around 130 kilometres from Lahore in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

“We unequivocally condemn this reprehensible act of vandalism against a century old minority place of worship,” Jaiswal said, describing the apparent apathy of Pakistani authorities and their failure to protect the temple as alarming.

India has called on Islamabad to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation, identify those responsible and ensure they are held fully accountable. New Delhi has also demanded immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple.

Jaiswal said the incident was a “stark reminder” of the continuing vulnerability of minority communities in Pakistan, as well as what India described as serious violations of their religious freedoms and the protection of their places of worship.

The destruction has also triggered a dispute inside Pakistan over what happened. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party, a minority rights organisation, has alleged that the temple was deliberately razed to facilitate the expansion of an adjoining seminary and that building material was removed from the site. The group has sought action against those responsible and called for the temple to be reconstructed.

However, officials of Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have rejected the demolition allegation, saying the structure collapsed following heavy rainfall. An ETPB official acknowledged that the temple was more than 100 years old and said its restoration would be considered.

India said Pakistan has a primary obligation to guarantee the safety, security and well being of minority citizens, along with protecting their religious and cultural heritage. New Delhi urged Islamabad to act swiftly to establish the facts, hold those responsible accountable and ensure the temple’s restoration.