• India

An ancient Hindu temple in Pakistan’s Punjab was reportedly demolished, sparking demands from minority groups for an investigation and restoration 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.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTemple’s destruction triggered calls for restorationThe 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.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Temple Trust Names Retd Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra As First Full-Time CEO Amid Donation Row‘Not Charity, But Justice’: Nepal To Raise Bhotekoshi Flood Compensation Demand At UNGA In SeptemberMadhya Pradesh Accounts For Over 50% Of India’s School Closures, Mergers Despite Rising Edu SpendingBihar’s Viral Boy Aditya Raj Exclusive: “I Want to Meet PM Modi & Samrat Choudhary”Amid Nepal Floods, 9-12 Glacial Lakes Flagged ‘Critical’ In Himachal | IIT Mandi | Climate Change’India World’s Best Location’: Goyal Holds Key Data Centre Meet, Eyes $200 Billion InvestmentManipur Violence: Three Naga Villages Attacked, 10 Houses Torched In Fresh Kangpokpi ClashesUnion Minister Chirag Paswan Gets Death Threat From ‘Terrorists’, Office Seeks Enhanced SecurityS-400 vs Project Kusha: Why India Wants More Russian Air Defence Despite Atmanirbharta’Historic Win’: CJP Hails Supreme Court Verdict As Apex Court Quashes FIRs, Sept 5 Cancelled123PhotostoriesDiana Penty’s Manish Malhotra floral saree looks every bit a quiet-luxury dream10 baby girl names inspired by happiness, joy and positivityOptical illusion personality test: You are a genius if your sharp eyes can spot all dogs hidden in this deceptively simple park sceneGot a tattoo? Here’s why your ink needs its own skincare routineHere’s why hair colour fades faster during the monsoonDimple Kapadia is the ultimate crown jewel of Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla’s couture kingdom, and no one dares to come close10 medicinal plants and flowers that can be easily grown in your balconyInside Mouni Roy’s ultra-luxurious Mumbai home: Grand chandeliers, striking paintings and a stunning living roomFrom Anushka Sharma-Virat Kohli to Akshay Kumar-Twinkle Khanna: Bollywood celebrities with stunning balconiesBigg Boss Tamil: From the ‘Oviya wave’ to Divya Ganesh’s wildcard win; a recap of nine memorable seasons of the reality show123Hot PicksMPSC paper leakGATE 2027 registrationSBI PO Prelims resultRam Temple CEOBihar gang-rapeAshutosh RankaSilver rate todayMP Police RecruitmentGDS recruitmentTop TrendingPunjab PollsUS Iran WarSurat Techie DeathAditi PaudelWTC StandingsDisha Salian CaseIndia Post GDS RecruitmentNBA Roster UpdateTom BradyFastest Century in Cricket