Pakistani Hindus and Sikhs condemn demolition of Hindu temple in Rawalpindi

By Editorial Staff
Tuesday, Augest 31, 2010

(Photo : Old Hindu Temple in Rawalpindi )

Rawalpindi  : Pakistan's Hindu and Sikh communities have condemned the demolition of
a pre-partition 87-year-old Hindu temple by its owner in Rawalpindi's
Bhabra Bazaar.

The temple on Tipu Road, opposite the Rawalpindi Medical College, was
being used by Hindus and Sikhs in the city to perform last rituals of
their dear ones.

According to the plaque fixed on the building, Lala Tansukh Rai, the
Raees-e-Azam Rawalpindi, had constructed the temple in memory of his
wife in 1923.

The Pakistan Hindu Sikh Social Welfare Council said that the Auqaf
Department, an autonomous body of the Provincial Government, was bound
to save the temple, and it is their duty to protect the buildings
related to the minorities, The News reports.

They have also appealed to the government to direct the Auqaf
Department to take action against demolition of temples in future.

--ANI