India Condemns Demolition of Historic Gurdwara in Pakistan
India on Wednesday described the reported demolition of a 125-year-old gurdwara in Pakistan as 'deeply distressing' and a 'despicable act,' calling on Islamabad to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore the shrine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strongly worded statement in response to media queries regarding the alleged demolition of Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad.
'We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine,' the MEA said.
India Calls for Restoration and Justice
India urged the government of Pakistan to 'expeditiously investigate' the matter and 'bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice.' The MEA also demanded that 'the demolished portions of the gurdwara should be restored and reconstructed at the earliest.'
The statement highlighted that the destruction, coupled with reports of no meaningful action by local authorities or the Evacuee Trust Property Board, is 'a matter of grave concern.' The MEA noted that this is 'unfortunately not an isolated incident, as we have also seen similar reports earlier,' pointing to a pattern of targeting religious minorities.
Systemic Targeting of Religious Minorities
'The systemic targeting of religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan continues unabated,' the MEA said. The statement further urged Pakistan to 'discharge its obligations to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of its minority communities and their places of worship, and put a decisive end to the prevailing environment of sectarian violence and religious intolerance in Pakistan.'
The demolition has drawn widespread condemnation, with India emphasizing the need to protect Sikh heritage and religious sites in Pakistan. The MEA's remarks underscore ongoing concerns over the treatment of religious minorities in Pakistan, which India has repeatedly raised at international forums.
