India condemns demolition of historic Hindu temple in Pakistan

India has strongly condemned the reported demolition of a century-old Hindu temple in the village of Siraj, located in the Narowal district of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs described the incident as a ‘reprehensible act of vandalism’ against a historic minority place of worship.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called for a prompt and transparent investigation by the Pakistani government to ensure those responsible are held accountable. India also demanded immediate remedial measures to restore the temple and expressed concern over the perceived failure of authorities to protect minority religious sites.

While a minority rights group alleged the structure was demolished to expand an adjoining seminary, a Pakistani government body attributed the damage to heavy rainfall. This incident marks a recent escalation in diplomatic tension regarding the safety and religious freedoms of minority communities in Pakistan.