Bajrang Dal protests over demolition of 100-yr-old Hindu temple in Pakistan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 1: Activists of the Rashtriya Bajrang Dal staged a fierce protest in Jammu against the alleged deliberate demolition of a more than century-old Hindu temple in Pakistan’s Punjab province, describing the incident as another instance of persecution of the Hindu minority.

Led by Jammu and Kashmir Rashtriya Bajrang Dal president Rakesh Bajrangi, the activists held a demonstration near the Trikuta Complex/Bus Stand, raising slogans against Pakistan. They also burnt an effigy and the Pakistani flag while condemning the alleged destruction of the historic shrine.

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The temple, situated in Siraj village of Narowal district, was allegedly demolished on August 21. Local Hindu representatives and minority rights groups have claimed that the 100-to-125-year-old shrine was deliberately razed to clear the land for expansion of an adjacent madrassa.

The protesters accused Pakistan of targeting Hindu religious places and attempting to suppress the religious identity and heritage of its minority community. They rejected the explanation now being given by the Pakistan Government and its officials that the old temple structure collapsed due to torrential rains, terming it a false excuse to cover up the alleged demolition.

The protesters urged the Union Government to summon the Pakistani High Commissioner and take up the issue strongly with Islamabad. They also demanded immediate reconstruction of the ancient shrine and concrete measures to ensure the safety of Hindus and protection of their religious places in Pakistan.

Bajrangi said the Hindu community would not tolerate persecution of its brethren and demanded accountability for the alleged destruction of the temple.