India Condemns Demolition of 125-Year-Old Gurdwara in Pakistan, Demands Action

India on Wednesday strongly denounced the reported demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Pakistan's Farooqabad, calling it a deliberate act of vandalism against a sacred Sikh site. New Delhi urged Pakistan to investigate the incident, punish those responsible and restore the damaged portions of the historic shrine.

India Calls Demolition a ‘Targeted Act of Vandalism’

Responding to media queries on the reported demolition, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the incident and the reported lack of action by local authorities.

"We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine. Its destruction, along with reports of no meaningful action being taken by local authorities or the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), is a matter of grave concern," Jaiswal said in a statement.

The MEA described the reported destruction of the shrine as a serious matter, particularly in light of allegations that authorities had failed to take meaningful steps in response.

Concern Over Treatment of Religious Minorities

India said the reported demolition was not an isolated occurrence and raised concerns over what it described as the continued targeting of religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan.

"This is unfortunately not an isolated incident, as we have also seen similar reports earlier. The systemic targeting of religious minorities and their places of worship in Pakistan continues unabated," the spokesperson said.

The statement reflected New Delhi’s broader concerns regarding the protection of minority communities and religious heritage sites across Pakistan.

New Delhi Seeks Investigation, Restoration of Shrine

Calling for immediate action, India urged Pakistan to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure accountability for those involved.

"We call upon the Government of Pakistan to expeditiously investigate this matter and bring the perpetrators of this despicable act to justice," the statement said.

The MEA also sought the restoration and reconstruction of the damaged portions of the gurdwara.

"The demolished portions of the Gurdwara Sahib should be restored and reconstructed at the earliest," Jaiswal said.

India further urged Islamabad to uphold its responsibility toward minority communities and protect their places of worship.

"Further, we urge the Government of Pakistan to discharge its obligations to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of its minority communities and their places of worship and put a decisive end to the prevailing environment of sectarian violence and religious intolerance in Pakistan," the statement added.

(With inputs from ANI)