Chandigarh, July 1 (IANS) Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Wednesday condemned the incident in which a portion of the nearly 125-year-old historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Pakistan’s Farooqabad was demolished by land mafia elements.

He criticised the Pakistan government in strong words over this unfortunate act.

Dhillon said in a statement that the building had itself been declared a “historic monument” by the Pakistan government, and there is a complete ban on its demolition.

“Despite this, the damage caused to Sikh historical heritage is deeply unfortunate.”

Expressing concern over the current situation of Sikhs in Pakistan, State BJP Chief Dhillon said that incidents of attacks and atrocities against Sikhs in Pakistan’s Punjab have been repeatedly coming to light.

A few days ago, a ‘sevadar’ (caretaker) of a gurdwara and his wife were brutally murdered there.

Similarly, reports of frequent attacks on gurdwaras continue to emerge, which are extremely alarming and unacceptable.

State BJP President Dhillon said that the Pakistan government must take up this matter, which is closely linked to Sikh sentiments, with utmost seriousness and ensure that the demolition of the gurdwara building is stopped immediately.

He also added that since the Sikh community is a minority in Pakistan, their fundamental rights, safety of life and property, and the protection of all historic gurdwaras and Sikh heritage structures must be ensured under all circumstances.

Meanwile, the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the reported demolition of the 125-year-old Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib, calling it a “highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism” against a revered Sikh shrine.

In a statement, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged Islamabad to investigate the incident, restore the damaged portions of the gurdwara, and ensure the safety and well-being of religious minorities.

–IANS

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