JAMMU, Sep 1: The Rashtriya Bajrang Dal staged a protest in Jammu on Tuesday against the alleged demolition of a 100–125-year-old Hindu temple in Siraj village of Pakistan’s Punjab province, located around 130 kilometres from Lahore.
According to the organisation, the ancient temple was spread over nearly 1,000 square feet and was situated alongside a madrasa. The protesters alleged that the temple was demolished with the intention of incorporating its land into the adjoining madrasa.
During the protest, workers burnt an effigy and flag of Pakistan, along with photographs of Pakistan Prime Minister and wanted terrorist Hafiz Saeed, expressing strong resentment over what they described as the continued targeting of Hindu religious places in Pakistan.
The protest was led by Rakesh Bajrangi, State President, Rashtriya Bajrang Dal. Addressing the gathering, Bajrangi alleged that incidents of attacks on Hindu temples, persecution of Hindus and violations of their religious rights had repeatedly come to light in Pakistan.
He alleged that the Hindu community in Pakistan was being subjected to an atmosphere of fear and pressure and that attempts were being made to weaken the community and undermine its religious identity.
Bajrangi urged the Government of India to take up the matter through appropriate diplomatic channels with Pakistan and seek the reconstruction of the demolished temple. He demanded that the reconstructed shrine be restored to the Hindu community.
He warned that failure to ensure appropriate action would lead to further protests by the Hindu community. He also said that Hindus living in different countries would raise their voice against alleged attacks on Hindus and their religious places in Pakistan.
The protesters called for protection of the religious rights and heritage of minority communities and urged the concerned authorities to ensure accountability in the matter.
Among those present during the demonstration were Shubham Singh Narayan, Pawan Kundal, Karan Sharma, Jatin Takia, Ashwani Singh, Balbir Singh and Piyush, besides several other Rashtriya Bajrang Dal workers.