New Delhi, September 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Hindu seers and political leaders across party lines on Thursday condemned Pakistan over the demolition of a more than century-old Hindu temple in Punjab province, reportedly to facilitate the expansion of a madrassa, and called for respect for places of worship and religious minorities.
Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshajanand strongly criticised the demolition, saying that whether a temple is newly built or 100 years old, destroying it amounts to an “insult to the deity”. He urged diplomatic pressure on Pakistan and stressed that places of worship should be respected.
Peethadheeshwar of Tapasvi Chhavani Jagat Guru Paramhans Acharya also condemned the reported demolition and alleged that Hindus in Pakistan were being repeatedly targeted.
“Hindus are being constantly targeted in Pakistan, their faith is being crushed, and temples are demolished,” he said, warning that Pakistan could face severe consequences if the temple was not rebuilt.
Congress MP Imran Masood said the destruction of any place of worship was “saddening” and argued that religious sites built before Partition should be protected.
Congress leader Udit Raj described Pakistan as a “failed” and “theocratic” state, alleging that religious minorities were unsafe in the country.
“The religious minorities are not safe there. Christians have disappeared; Sikhs have also migrated…Hindus keep coming from there. So, it is a failed state; there is no democracy there,” he told IANS.
Samajwadi Party leader Udayveer Singh supported the strong objection reportedly raised by the Indian government over the demolition.
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo said the condition of minorities in Pakistan was known internationally and alleged that the century-old temple was demolished despite protests from local people to facilitate madrassa expansion.
He also referred to reports of alleged forced conversions and marriages involving Hindu girls in Pakistan and criticised Islamabad’s claims of protecting minorities.
BJP MLA Ram Kadam said Hindus should be respected in Pakistan and warned that continued incidents could prompt India to consider its response.
“If the country does not stop resorting to such acts, India will have to think about its actions seriously. We have already taught them a lesson and if required, will do so again in the future,” he said.
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