Attackers ransack Hindu temple in Rawalpindi’s Purana Qila area

Rawalpindi, Mar 30: Some unidentified attackers ransacked and destroyed a nearly century-old temple in Pakistan’s Rawalpindi on Sunday.

According to the police authorities, a case has been registered at the Bani Gala police station against the unidentified attackers wh destroyed the Hindu temple situated in Purana Qila area of Rawalpindi.

Police said that the temple was being restored with construction and repair works and due to restoration work there was no regular puja or religious rituals were conducted.

Syed Raza Abbas, Assistant Security Officer, Evacue Trust Property, Northern Zone, Rawalpindi, said that 10 to 12 people came and ransacked the doors and stairs of the temple on the outer side, which affected the construction work.

Meanwhile, security has been provided to temple administrator Om Prakash and the temple also following this incident.

This is not an isolated attack on Hindu temple. There have been many such attacks in the past in different parts of Pakistan. The Hindus of Pakistan have urged the government to ensure safety and security to their temples and other religious places and provide them atmosphere to perform religious rituals free of fear.

In December 2020, a religious cleric had inflamed supporters and followers in attacking a historic site in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province, triggering the government to take steps to not only secure the site, but also renovating it.

Pakistan has faced global criticism over its treatment of the Hindu minorities, who have been subjected to forced conversions, kidnapping, brutal assaults and attacks on religious sites.