India has strongly condemned the demolition of a historic gurdwara in Pakistan's Punjab province, calling it a targeted act of vandalism. The 125-year-old Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Farooqabad, located about 70 km from Lahore, was razed by a local businessman without obtaining the required no-objection certificate (NOC) from the relevant department, according to an official of the Punjab government.
Demolition Details and Immediate Response
The demolition came to light when Punjab Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora visited the site and announced its immediate restoration. The official stated that the businessman acted illegally, and the government is taking steps to rebuild the shrine. The Evacuee Trust Property Board, which manages minority religious sites in Pakistan, is expected to investigate the matter.
India's Strong Condemnation
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Farooqabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine.” India called upon the Pakistan government to “expeditiously investigate” the matter and “bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice.”
SGPC Chief's Appeal
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami urged the Pakistan government to preserve Sikh heritage in the country. He appealed to the Pakistan government and the Evacuee Trust Property Board to conduct an impartial probe into the incident. The demolition has sparked outrage among Sikh communities worldwide, with many calling for protection of minority religious sites in Pakistan.
Historical Significance of Gurdwara Singh Sabha
Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Farooqabad was a revered place of worship for Sikhs, serving the local community for over a century. Its demolition is seen as part of a worrying trend of attacks on minority heritage sites in Pakistan. The incident highlights the challenges faced by religious minorities in the country, where such acts often go unpunished.
