Hindu Temple Attack In Pakistan: PM Imran Khan Commits To 'Restore Mandir' As India Expresses 'Grave Concerns'

India had earlier in the day expressed worry over the attack on Hindu Temple in Pakistan, stating that these incidents are occurring at an alarming rate.

File Photo

Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday presented a response over the attack on a Hindu temple in the country's Punjab province. He has condemned the incident and assured that action will be taken against the miscreants.

The condemnation comes after India summoned Pakistan charge d'affaires and put up a strong protest on the attack that was reported in Bhong city of Rahim Yar Khan district.

"Strongly condemn attack on Ganesh Mandir in Bhung, RYK yesterday. I have already asked IG Punjab to ensure the arrest of all culprits and take action against any police negligence. The government will also restore the Mandir," Pakistan PM tweeted.

In videos shared widely on social media, attackers were seen carrying sticks, stones, and bricks. They damaged idols in the temple while raising religious slogans.

Taking cognisance of the incident, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that Pakistani charge d'affaires was summoned and a firm protest was lodged "expressing our grave concerns at this reprehensible incident and the continued attacks on the freedom of religion of the minority community and their places of religious worship". 

India urged Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities.

"We have seen disturbing reports on social media of a violent mob attack on a Ganesha temple in Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab province of Pakistan. The mob attacked the temple, desecrated the holy idols, and set fire to the premises. In addition to attacking the temple, the mob has also attacked surrounding houses belonging to the Hindu community," he said.

The MEA spokesperson emphasised that incidents of violence, discrimination, and persecution against the minority communities which also involve attacks on places of worship have continued unabated in Pakistan.

"Within the last year itself, various temples and Gurudwaras have been attacked including the Mata Rani Bhatiyani Mandir in Sindh in January 2020, Gurudwara Sri Janam Sthan in January 2020, a Hindu temple in Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in December 2020," he stated.

India expressed worry, stating that these incidents are occurring at an alarming rate. It was alleged that the Pakistan government has stood by idly and completely failed in preventing such violence.

(With Agency Inputs)