India has unequivocally condemned the act of vandalism of a century old Hindu temple in Pakistan. In response to media queries regarding reported demolition of the temple in village Siraj, Narowal, Pakistan, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the vandalism against a century old minority place of worship as reprehensible. He said the apparent apathy of authorities and failure to protect this century-old temple is alarming. Mr Jaiswal further stated that such incidents are a stark reminder of the continuing vulnerability of minority communities and the egregious violations of their religious freedoms and places of worship in Pakistan.
New Delhi has called upon the Government of Pakistan to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable. India has also asked Pak government to take immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple and fulfill its primary obligation to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all its minority citizens and their cultural heritage.
