India condemns mob attack on Hindu temple in Pakistan

The Pakistani Charge d'Affaires of High Commission of Pakistan in New Delhi was summoned on Thursday afternoon over the alleged mob attack on the Hindu temple in Bhong city in Rahim Yar Khan district of Pakistan, said the Ministry of External Affairs.

New Delhi: During the virtual media briefing, in response to a media query over the issue, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "The Pakistani Charge d’Affaires was summoned this afternoon and a firm protest was lodged expressing grave concern at this reprehensible incident and the continued attacks on the freedom of religion of the minority community and their places of religious worship and calling upon Pakistan to ensure the safety, security of its minority communities".

"We have seen disturbing reports on social media of a violent mob attack on a Ganesh temple in Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab Province of Pakistan. The mob attacked the temple, desecrated the holy idols, and set fire to the premises. The mob also attacked surrounding houses belonging to the Hindu community", the MEA said.

Incidents of violence, discrimination, and persecution against minority communities including attacks on places of worship have continued unabated in Pakistan. Within the last year itself, various temples and Gurudwaras have been attacked, the MEA added. "These incidents are occurring at an alarming rate, while, the state and security institutions in Pakistan have stood by idly and completely failed in preventing these attacks on the minority communities and their places of worship", the MEA spokesperson said.

On Wednesday, a video clip of a mob attacking a Hindu temple in Rahim Yar Khan district of Pakistan went viral on social media. Pakistani lawmaker and Hindu community leader Ramesh Kumar Vankwani shared videos of the incident. In one of the videos, the mob was seen destroying the infrastructure of the temple. The mob ruthlessly vandalized the temple and broke idols. In recent years, there has been a surge in attacks on the place of worship of religious minorities in Pakistan. The international community has repeatedly lambasted Pakistan for not safeguarding the interest of the minority communities.

• Attack on Hindu temple at Bhong City District Rahimyar Khan Punjab. Situation was tense since yesterday. Negligence by local police is very shameful. Chief Justice is requested to take action. pic.twitter.com/5XDQo8VwgI

  — Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="

  Attack on Hindu temple at Bhong City District Rahimyar Khan Punjab. Situation was tense since yesterday. Negligence by local police is very shameful. Chief Justice is requested to take action. pic.twitter.com/5XDQo8VwgI

  — Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021

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  Attack on Hindu temple at Bhong City District Rahimyar Khan Punjab. Situation was tense since yesterday. Negligence by local police is very shameful. Chief Justice is requested to take action. pic.twitter.com/5XDQo8VwgI

  — Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021