India expresses concern over reports of destruction of Buddhist heritage in Gilgit-Baltistan

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday conveyed its strong concern to Pakistan over reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of Buddhist heritage in Gilgit-Baltistan.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said “egregious activities” of this nature displaying contempt for the ancient civilisational and cultural heritage are “highly condemnable”.

“We have conveyed our strong concern at reports of vandalism, defacement and destruction of invaluable Indian Buddhist heritage located in so called Gilgit-Baltistan area of the Indian territory under illegal and forcible occupation of Pakistan,” he said.

Srivastava, replying to a media query on the issue, said India has sought immediate access for its experts to visit the area in order to restore and preserve the invaluable archaeological heritage. (AGENCIES)