New Delhi: India on Wednesday issued a sharp rebuke against Pakistan, unequivocally condemning the reported demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in the Narowal district of Pakistan’s Punjab province. Describing the incident as a “reprehensible act of vandalism,” New Delhi demanded a prompt investigation and immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated shrine.
The historic temple, located in Siraj village—approximately 130 km from Lahore—was reportedly razed on August 21. Responding to media queries regarding the incident, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of religious minorities in the neighbouring country.
“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 stated.
The MEA spokesperson lambasted the local administration’s failure to safeguard the site, noting that the situation reflects a systemic issue. “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,” he added.
Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the temple’s destruction in Pakistan. The Pakistan Masiha Millat Party (PMMP), a local minority rights group, alleged that a mob intentionally demolished the estimated 125-year-old structure to facilitate the expansion of an adjoining seminary. According to the group, bricks, metal fittings from the dome, and other materials were removed from the site. On the other hand, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), a government body in Pakistan, claimed that the historic structure collapsed due to torrential rainfall.
Brushing aside these claims, India called upon the government in Islamabad to ensure strict accountability.
“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,” Jaiswal said.
He further urged Islamabad to fulfill its primary obligations to its minority citizens, stating, “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.”
Local minority leaders in Pakistan, including PMMP Chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra, have also petitioned the Punjab provincial government, seeking action against those responsible and demanding that the temple be reconstructed in its original form.