PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan announced that the provincial government will rebuild the Hindu temple in Karak vandalised and burned by a mob.
In a statement, the chief minister said the government will ensure the temple is rebuilt without delay and that the authorities concerned have already been issued directives for the purpose.
He reiterated to ensure the protection of sacred places of minorities at any cost. He added that those involved in incident have been apprehended and strict action will be taken against them. He warned that no one will be allowed to take law into their hands.
A day earlier, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed took notice of the tragic incident and directed the KP chief secretary and the provincial police chief to submit a report in this regard by Monday, January 4.
According to a statement issued by the apex court, Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Hindu Council Dr Ramesh Kumar called on the Chief Justice at the Supreme Court’s Karachi registry and raised the issue of burning of the shrine of the Hindu saint.
The chief justice showed grave concern over the tragic incident and informed MNA Ramesh Kumar that he has already taken cognizance of the matter and has fixed it before a bench for hearing on January 5.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when a mob set the shrine of the Hindu saint on fire and demolished several parts in Teri area of Karak. Several people led by some local elders of a religious party held a protest and demanded the removal of the Hindu place of worship.
They raised slogans and attacked the shrines built before 1920. The mob also demolished an under-construction house owned by a member of the Hindu community.
The district police have arrested more than 31 suspects involved in the incident and have also registered a case against 350 people including JUI-F district leader Maulana Mirza Aqeem for their alleged involvement in the vandalising of the Hindu temple.
Karak DPO Irfanullah informed that the security officials were conducting raids to detain individuals who participated or provoked the mob to demolish the shrine.
