India Condemns Demolition of Historic Gurdwara in Pakistan, Urges Restoration
India has strongly condemned the demolition of a 125-year-old gurdwara in Pakistan's Farooqabad, describing the act as "deeply distressing" and a targeted attack on a revered Sikh shrine. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement on Wednesday urging the Pakistani government to investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The gurdwara, known as Gurdwara Singh Sabha, was located approximately 70 kilometres from Lahore. According to a Punjab government official, the demolition was carried out by a local businessman without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate from the relevant authorities. The official noted that the department had not taken any action on the matter.
The incident sparked protests from the Sikh community in both India and Pakistan. A delegation from the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) met with MEA officials, submitting a memorandum that called for a strong diplomatic protest and immediate steps to prevent further damage. The delegation also demanded the restoration of the demolished parts of the gurdwara.
In response to the protests, Pakistan's Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident. Punjab Minorities Minister Ramesh Singh Arora visited the site and announced immediate restoration efforts. He directed the Auqaf Department to conduct an inquiry into the ownership and status of the land, noting that initial information suggested the property was not registered as Auqaf land. Arora assured that the government was committed to protecting the rights of minority communities and safeguarding their places of worship.
The MEA expressed grave concern over the demolition and the lack of meaningful action by local authorities and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB). It urged the Pakistani government to restore and reconstruct the demolished portions of the gurdwara as soon as possible.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan. India has called for systematic measures to ensure the protection of minority rights and prevent recurrence of such acts.
