Pakistan seals centuries-old Hindu temple, commercial plaza plan triggers protests
Bangladesh Hindu Sammilon Sangho has expressed concern and strongly condemned the sealing of the centuries-old Ramlila Temple in Dera Ismail Khan, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, amid reports of plans to demolish the historic structure and build a commercial complex on the site.In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation said the reported move violated religious freedom and basic human rights. It also expressed solidarity with the local Hindu community and civil society members opposing the proposed construction."Our organisation, which firmly believes in the non-communal spirit of the great Liberation War, equality, and the core mantra of religious freedom, considers any attempt to destroy or force the closure of a place of worship to be a grave violation of basic human rights and freedom of religion", Bangladesh Hindu Sammilon Sangha said in a statement.According to media reports, the plan to demolish the historic temple and build a commercial building on its site was deeply tragic and contrary to global communal harmony."We extend our solidarity and full support to the brave resistance mounted by the local Hindu community and members of civil society against this attempt to destroy the historic structure", it added.The organisation urged the Pakistani government to protect the temple, stop any attempt to build a commercial complex at the site and restore the community’s right to conduct religious practices and rituals there.
It also called for action against those responsible."We call upon the Government of Pakistan to immediately ensure the security of this historic and traditional temple, permanently halt all attempts to build a commercial complex, and restore the right to conduct religious practices and rituals at the location. At the same time, we demand exemplary punishment for those identified behind this heinous incident", the statement said."We also humbly request the international community to raise a stronger voice to protect minority rights and religious freedom in every corner of the world", it said.Earlier on Sunday, authorities in Dera Ismail Khan sealed the historic Ram Leela Temple in Rahim Bazaar, raising concerns over the protection of religious heritage and the proposed conversion of the site into a commercial property.The move came days after civil society activists intervened to prevent the building’s demolition for a commercial plaza, Dawn reported.According to the report, the temple had earlier been sealed by Assistant Commissioner Hamid Siddiq following public protests, and construction work at the site had been halted.The latest sealing has renewed concerns among residents and heritage advocates about the future of the historic structure. The development coincided with a joint meeting of civil society representatives and members of the Hindu community to discuss the reported demolition plans. Participants opposed the proposed commercial construction and urged elected representatives to raise the issue in Pakistan’s national assembly.