New Delhi: India has strongly criticised the reported demolition of the 125 year old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan, describing the incident as a deeply disturbing act of vandalism against a revered place of worship.
According to reports, portions of the historic gurdwara were allegedly demolished by members of a land mafia, raising concerns over the protection of minority religious sites in the country.
Expressing serious concern over the incident, India said it was deeply troubled by reports of the demolition as well as allegations that local authorities had failed to take meaningful action to prevent the damage or hold those responsible accountable.
Calling the destruction of the shrine “highly deplorable”, New Delhi urged Pakistan to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those behind the vandalism are brought to justice.
India also called for the immediate restoration and reconstruction of the damaged sections of the gurdwara, stressing the importance of preserving places of religious and historical significance.
The government further stated that the incident reflects broader concerns regarding the safety and protection of minority communities and their places of worship in Pakistan. It urged Islamabad to fulfil its responsibility to ensure security and equal protection for all religious groups and to address the wider issue of sectarian violence and intolerance.
The demolition comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of minority communities in Pakistan. Last month, a Sikh couple serving as caretakers of a gurdwara in Mardan were killed after unidentified attackers reportedly opened fire inside the shrine.
Political leaders in India also condemned the demolition, pointing out that the gurdwara had been recognised as a historic monument by Pakistani authorities and was protected from demolition under existing regulations.
The destruction of the historic shrine has sparked fresh calls for stronger measures to safeguard Sikh heritage sites and religious minorities in the region.
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