Demolition of Historic Hindu Temple in Pakistan Draws Criticism
Allegations that a 125-year-old Hindu temple in Pakistan's Punjab province was demolished to expand a madrasa have mobilized minority groups and rights defenders.
While it is alleged that a 125-year-old historic Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal district, Pakistan, was demolished to expand a madrasa, minority organizations and rights defenders have demanded an investigation into the incident. Authorities, meanwhile, argued that the structure collapsed due to heavy rainfall.
Allegations of the Destruction of the Historic Temple
It was claimed that the historic Hindu temple, located in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province and stated to be approximately 125 years old, was demolished to expand an adjacent madrasa. Following the incident, minority groups and locals called upon the federal government.
Allegations regarding the demolition of the temple, situated on an area of approximately one thousand square meters, sparked a major controversy in the region.
Investigation Demand from Minority Groups
The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party, which advocates for minority rights, urged the Punjab government to launch an investigation into the incident and punish those responsible. Party officials demanded that the temple be rebuilt in accordance with its original state.
Party President Aslam Parvez Sahotra stated that they have taken the matter to the competent authorities and that illegal occupations on the temple land must be ended.
Debate on Occupation and Eviction Orders
It was reported that the portion adjacent to the temple land was previously leased by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, but the contract was cancelled on the grounds that rent was not paid. It was claimed that despite eviction orders by the relevant units, enforcement had not been carried out.
Explanation by the Government and Authorities
In response to the allegations of the protesters, official authorities issued a different statement. Officials confirmed that there is no official name for the temple in the records, but verified that the structure is 100 to 125 years old.
Authorities argued that the historic structure collapsed not due to human intervention, but as a result of heavy rainfall that affected the region.
Reaction and Concerns from the Hindu Community
Rattan Lal, a member of the Narowal District Peace Committee, stated that the ancient temple could not be protected, pointing to administrative negligence. Lal expressed that members of the local Hindu community are afraid to go to the area where the madrasa operates.