The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday strongly condemned the reported demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Farooqabad, Pakistan, describing it as a “deeply unfortunate and targeted act of vandalism” against the revered Sikh shrine.
The gurdwara, located in Pakistan’s Punjab province, was reportedly demolished on the night of June 24.
In a statement, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Islamabad to investigate the incident, return the damaged parts of the gurdwara, and ensure the safety and well-being of religious minorities.
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“We have seen the extremely distressing reports regarding the demolition of the sacred, historic 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha temple in Farooqabad, Pakistan,” the statement read.
“We strongly condemn this extremely unfortunate and targeted act of vandalism against the revered Sikh shrine. Its destruction, coupled with reports that no meaningful action has been taken by local authorities or the Evacuee Property Board (ETPB), is deeply concerning.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the incident was not an isolated incident and reflects what it described as the continued targeting of religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan.
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“Punish those responsible”
India called for swift action, urging Pakistan to identify and punish those responsible, rebuild demolished parts of the gurdwara, and fulfill its obligations to protect minority communities.
“We call on the government of Pakistan to urgently investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice. The demolished parts of Gurdwara Sahib should be restored and rebuilt as soon as possible.”
“Furthermore, we urge the Government of Pakistan to fulfill its obligations to ensure the safety, security and well-being of minority communities and their places of worship, and to decisively put an end to the prevailing environment of sectarian violence and religious intolerance in Pakistan.”
What happened?
The Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, located in Farooqabad in Pakistan’s Punjab province, was reportedly demolished on the night of June 24, according to media reports, according to a report in The Tribune.
The 125-year-old shrine has historical significance as an important site associated with the Singh Sabha, a Sikh reform movement that emerged in the late 19th century.
Following the incident, Sikh representatives in Pakistan accused the authorities of failing to take necessary action. They claimed that similar incidents had occurred in the past and demanded strict legal action against those responsible for the demolition.
