A Hindu temple believed to be more than a century old has been demolished in Pakistan’s Punjab province, triggering demands from minority representatives for an investigation and reconstruction of the religious site. The temple was located in Siraj village of Narowal district, about 130 km from Lahore. It was brought down on August 21. While minority groups have alleged that the structure was deliberately targeted to facilitate the use of its land by an adjoining madrassa, officials from Pakistan’s Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) have said the temple collapsed after torrential rains.
The competing claims have now put the spotlight on the condition and protection of Hindu religious properties in the area.
