Introduction
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed an alarming escalation of targeted attacks on Hindu temples, raising profound concerns about the safeguarding of religious minorities within the nation. The demolition of the Hinglaj Mata Mandir in Mithi, Sindh, and the Sharda Peeth Mandir near the Line of Control (LOC) reflects a disturbing pattern of disregard for religious freedom of minorities particularly Hindus.
Recent Incident
The demolition of the Hinglaj Mata Mandir and the Sharda Peeth Mandir highlights a blatant violation of religious freedom. Officials in Tharparkar District, citing a court order to justify the demolition of the Hinglaj Mata Mandir, bring into question the efficacy of the legal framework in protecting minority rights.
The construction of a coffee house near the Sharda Peeth Mandir, despite a standing Supreme Court order protecting the temple, raises doubts about the Pakistani government's commitment to protecting Hindu shrines and people.
Reaction and Global Concerns
Reactions to these incidents have varied, with expressions of outrage and condemnation echoing from diverse quarters. Reports from sources have documented responses, while international organizations, governments, and human rights activists have raised their voices against these attacks.
The global community has been urging Pakistan to uphold its commitment to protecting the rights of religious minorities, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom as a fundamental human right.
Previous Incidents - A Disturbing Pattern
A further study into these incidents shows that it has become somewhat of a routine in Pakistan and it only highlights the growing threats that Hindus and other minorities face in Pakistan.
-Mari Mata Temple Demolition (16 July 2023, Karachi):
The Hindu community in Karachi discovered their 150-year-old Mari Mata Temple demolished in Soldier Bazar. The operation occurred late Friday night amid a power outage, with diggers and bulldozers destroying the interior while leaving the outer walls and main gate intact.
- Ganesha Temple Vandalism (Bhong, 2023):
A Ganesha temple in Pakistan's Punjab province was vandalized and set ablaze in Bhong city of Rahim Yar Khan district. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage as a mob attacked the temple.
Pre-2023 Attacks
- Islamabad Temple Attack:
The under-construction Lord Krishna temple in Islamabad faced an attack, halting construction after the boundary walls were razed by local Muslims. Although approved by city authorities, construction using government funds was questioned, leading the Hindu Panchayat to finance the temple independently.
- Lyari Hanuman Temple Demolition:
A builder reportedly demolished a pre-partition Hanuman temple in Lyari, despite assurances to Hindu locals that the temple would be untouched during construction.
- Shri Ram Mandir Vandalism:
The Shri Ram Mandir in Nagarparkar, Sindh province, was vandalized, with unidentified miscreants damaging the idol of Hinglaj Mata and desecrating the shrine. Reports highlighted a dwindling number of temples in Sindh.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Temple Attack:
Hundreds of Pakistanis razed the Krishna Dwara temple in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, using fire, hammers, and crude weapons. The temple, restored in 2015, faced withdrawal of cases against 350 individuals accused of the attack in July of the following year.
- Rawalpindi Temple Assault:
A mob attacked a 100-year-old Hindu temple undergoing renovation in Rawalpindi, damaging doors and stairs during the frenzied assault.
- Mata Rani Bhatiyani Devi Temple Vandalism:
An Islamic mob vandalized the Mata Rani Bhatiyani Devi temple in Chachro, Tharparkar, setting fire to Hindu holy books, desecrating the goddess statue, and blackening the idol's face.
Plight of Hindu Temples in Pakistan
Reports indicate that out of 365 Hindu temples in Pakistan, only 13 are managed by the Evacuee Trust Property Board, leaving responsibility for 65 temples to the persecuted Hindu community and abandoning the rest to land mafias.
Government Inaction and Legal Challenges
Despite the escalating attacks, the Pakistani government's response has been woefully inadequate. Reports indicating that only 20 out of 428 temples in Sindh remain underscore the dire situation faced by the Hindu community.
The withdrawal of cases against individuals responsible for burning down the Krishna Dwara temple in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, purportedly based on the community's pardon, raises significant questions about accountability and justice. The Evacuee Trust Property Board's failure to manage the majority of Hindu temples further exacerbates the challenges faced by the minority community. The encroachment of land mafias on these abandoned temples adds another layer of complexity to the issue, as valuable cultural and religious heritage falls into neglect and disrepair.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The systematic targeting of Hindu temples in Pakistan demands urgent attention from the international community. It is imperative that global leaders, human rights organizations, and diplomatic channels engage with the Pakistani government to address the root causes of religious persecution and ensure the protection of minority rights.
The incidents outlined here serve as a stark reminder of the need for concerted efforts to safeguard religious freedom and promote tolerance. The international community must unite in condemning these attacks and pressure Pakistan to take concrete actions to protect its religious minorities, upholding the principles of equality and coexistence. Failure to address this issue not only perpetuates injustice but also undermines the fundamental values of human rights and religious freedom.
In conclusion, the global community must act decisively to put an end to the targeted attacks on Hindu temples in Pakistan, fostering an environment where religious diversity is respected, and the rights of minorities are upheld. The world cannot remain silent in the face of such blatant violations of basic human rights.
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