LAHORE: A Hindu temple was vandalized after a conflict between two groups in Bhong town of Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab.
Hundreds of people reportedly ransacked a Hindu temple in Bhong and blocked the Sukkur-Multan Motorway after a nine-year-old Hindu boy, who allegedly urinated in a local seminary, was granted bail by a local court. A local cleric had filed a complaint after the Bhong police had registered a case against the minor boy under section 295-A of the Pakistan Penal Code on July 24.
Several elders of the Hindu had tendered an apology to the seminary administration saying the accused was a minor and mentally challenged. After a lower court granted him bail a few days ago, a mob incited the public and forced them to close shops in protest.
A video clip of the incident went viral on social media showing a charged mob wielding clubs and rods storming the temple and smashing its glass doors, windows, lights, and damaging the ceiling fans.
Ganesh Temple, village Bhong in Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab has been ravaged.
Another day, another attack on Hindus in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/grLlT582XL— Veengas (@VeengasJ) August 4, 2021
Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashraf condemned the vandalism at the temple and vowed that the culprits will soon be brought to justice.
He said the district administration has been directed to investigate the incident and take legal action against those involved in it. He said no individual, group or party can be allowed to spread anarchy. He added the protection of religious minorities is the responsibility of the state.
Special Assistant to the PM on political communication Dr Shahbaz Gill tweeted: “It is very sad & unfortunate incident. PM office took notice of this untoward incident & directed district administration to probe the case & take strict action against the culprits.”
“Pakistani constitution provides freedom & protection to minorities to perform their worship freely,” he added.
