NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over reports of the destruction of a historic Hindu temple in Pakistan’s Punjab province and called on the Pakistani government to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into the incident.Responding to media queries, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India “unequivocally” condemned the reported vandalism of the century-old place of worship in Siraj village in Narowal.“We have noted with deep concern the disturbing reports of the destruction of a historic Hindu temple in village Siraj, Narowal, Pakistan. We unequivocally condemn this reprehensible act of vandalism against a century old minority place of worship,” Jaiswal said.
India flags authorities’ ‘apathy’
The MEA said the apparent failure of authorities to protect the temple was alarming and raised concerns over the safety and religious freedoms of minority communities in Pakistan.“The apparent apathy of authorities and failure to protect this century-old temple is alarming. 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 upon Pakistan to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.“We call upon the Government of Pakistan to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable,” the MEA spokesperson said.India also urged Pakistan to take immediate steps to restore the temple and ensure the safety and security of minority communities and their cultural heritage.“Furthermore, the Government of Pakistan must take immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple and fulfill its primary obligation to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all its minority citizens and their cultural heritage,” Jaiswal added.
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Temple’s destruction triggered calls for restoration
The more than 100-year-old temple in Siraj village, around 130 km from Lahore, was demolished on August 21.Minority groups alleged that religious zealots had targeted the site to absorb its land into an adjacent madrassa, while Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) maintained that the structure had collapsed following torrential rains.ETPB senior official Rana Iftikhar acknowledged the temple’s historical significance, saying it was “more than 100 to 125 years old”, while maintaining that the land on which the temple stood had not been leased to anyone.The demolition prompted demands from minority groups and local Hindu community leaders for an investigation and the restoration of the temple.