Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan

Society Pakistan & World Affairs
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**KARACHI: **In a hurried operation on Saturday, a builder demolished a century-old temple in Soldier Bazaar while the Sindh High Court was hearing a petition seeking a stay order.

Apart from razing down the pre-partition Shri Rama Pir Mandir, the private builder also demolished three or four houses located next to it. Nearly 40 people became homeless as a result.“They destroyed our mandir and humiliated our gods,” said an angry Prakash, pointing towards the huge debris of concrete, stones and walls of the temple. The demolishing team did place the statues of four Hindu deities on the side but the residents accused them of taking away their gold jewellery and crowns.Pointing to the bruises on his arms, Lakshman said that, “they hit me with their guns when I tried to stop them. I told them to kill me instead of destroying our holy place.”Banwri recalled that the demolition teams arrived around 11 in the morning. She was preparing breakfast when she heard the thundering noise of a bulldozer. She rushed outside, only to receive instructions to bring her bed, cupboard and other essential items outside the house. “I watched my house go down in just minutes and I couldn’t do anything.”She added that, during the demolition, the area was cordoned off by the police and Rangers with tents put up all around. Outsiders were not allowed to enter, she added.Saveeta was among those 40 people who lost her house. “The dowry that I had given to my daughter for her wedding is all buried here,” she said with tears. With her husband out of station, she and her three children would be spending the night under the open sky.

http://pullquotesandexcerpts.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/zeenat-ahmed.jpg?w=625

There are around 150 Hindus in the neighbourhood and nearly four families live in each of the houses that were destroyed, according to an elderly resident, Kaali Das. “People were living in cramped houses, separated only by curtains. Over here, we live like animals,” he said, adding that some of these houses were as high as three storeys.Angered by the builders’ actions, the crowd demanded the government arrange tickets to India for them. “If you don’t want us, we will go to India,” screamed a woman. Another man added that, “our temple is as sacred to us as your mosque is to you.”For their part, the police denied the existence of the temple completely. The police maintained that they had orders to remove the encroachments. DSP Pervaiz Iqbal of Nabi Buksh police station said, “There was no temple there. There were just Hindu gods present inside the houses and we made sure that they were safe.”The people were given plenty of time to remove their belongings out of the house, he said. “We did not injure anyone. In fact those people threw stones on us and our SHO Abid Hussain Shah was injured.”The residents managed, however, to fish out a plaque of the temple from under the debris. Maharaj Badri, who lived inside the temple, also denied that the land was encroached upon. “Our ancestors have been living here way since independence. We are not encroachers,” he said.Military Lands and Cantonment director Zeenat Ahmed insisted that the temple was “untouched” and denied that it was demolished. The operation was against illegal occupants, she said, adding that temples are old grant property (evacuee property). “The builder had possession of the place since years and these people were encroachers, and encroachers have no religion,” she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2[SUP]nd[/SUP], 2012.

**Reminds me of two beautiful ashaar from Allama Iqbal.

Quam Apni Jo Maal O Zar Par Marti
But Faroshi Ki Iwaz But Shikni Kyon Karti?****

And,

Tujhko Chora Ke Rasool E Arabi Ko Chora?**
**Butgari Pesha Kiya? But Shikni Ko Chora?
Ishq Ko Ishq Ki Ashuftah-Sari Ko Chora?
Rasm E Salmaan O Owais O Karni Ko Chora?

Aag Takbeer Ki Seeno Me Dabi Rakhte Hain
Zindagi Misl E Bilal E Habshi Rakhte Hain.
**
*
Soldier Bazaar temple razed in hurried operation – The Express Tribune**](http://tribune.com.pk/story/473838/soldier-bazaar-temple-razed-in-hurried-operation/)*
*](http://tribune.com.pk/story/473838/soldier-bazaar-temple-razed-in-hurried-operation/)
*

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Re: Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan

Is this story authentic?

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Re: Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan

Burney writes to Pakistan president to book guilty of temple demolition - The Times of India

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Re: Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan

It is true, India today website also has updated on this.

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Hindus are living a better life in Pakistan,they are working,leading a normal life,they are f Rees to celebrate Diwali or whtever the festivities as per their religion.as report s the temple was built illegally,even Muslims can’t build Mosque in illegal land or without the permission of the owner.. . The Delhi High Court on Friday ordered immediate demolition of an illegal structure erected over what is believed to be the remains of a 17th century Akbarabadi mosque.A three-judge bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul rejected the Delhi Police’s plea seeking postponement of the demolition.
The court asked the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) to immediately comply with its July 30 order, which directed the civic authority to demolish the illegal construction with the assistance of the police under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The illegal structure erected over the remains of the purported Akbarabadi mosque
The police, in their plea, had sought deferment of the court’s order citing “insufficient” force.
They had claimed in August that due to Independence Day, Baba Ramdev’s fast in adjacent Ramlila Ground and the ongoing month of Ramzan, they were unable to take immediate action.
The court found no substance in the police application and termed it “infructuous”. It said the reasons for delay in execution of the court’s order do not exist anymore as the events cited by the police are already over.
The second plea of the police, seeking a direction to local MLA Shoaib Iqbal to remove the structure, too, failed to find favour with the court.
Rejecting the police plea, the bench said: “In our view, it is the bounden duty of the Delhi Police to ensure that peace is maintained and yet law of the land is not breached holding out threats of possible repercussions.” While disposing of the plea of the NDMC, the court said that the police will have to provide necessary assistance to the civic body during the demolition of the construction.

The court on Friday also passed orders on various applications filed by MLA Iqbal and Hindu Mahasabha president S.S. Omjee.
Iqbal’s plea to allow namaz at the site has been dismissed by the court, which noted that it was not a monument where namaz could be offered regularly.
The MLA had also sought constitution of a committee of eminent citizens to oversee the investigation by the ASI. But, the court said that no supervision committee was required at this stage as the ASI was already looking into the veracity of the claims and the counter claims.
The court, in its order, observed that it is only through the rule of law that one can find an appropriate solution to controversial matters.
The court also dismissed a plea seeking to restrict media coverage on the issue. “We are not inclined to grant relief as claimed for in this application which seeks to put a restriction on propounding the respective perspectives or press reporting the same. We would, however, expect the press to always conduct itself with responsibility,” it said.

Read more: High court orders the demolition of ‘mosque’ | Mail Online
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Re: Hindu Temple Demolished In Pakistan

^ is above article abt demolition of axmosque in India? I am confused.

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If it is true that a temple was demolished in Karachi then it is sad and the people responsible should be punished.

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If the temple had been there for a hundred years how can it be illegal as it was built before the laws of Pakistan were written?

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According to one of the local Hindus, the temple was built during his lifetime. So in the past couple decades supposedly.

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Whatever it is, it is just sad that the minority population of Pakistan is being treated like this..

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^^^ I don't know specifics of the case, but illegal is illegal. You can't build something on someone's land & expect them not to tear it down...whether is monder or masjid its irrelevant.

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I think the issue here is that you would never be able to get away with knocking down a mosque this way, regardless if it were built legally or illegally built.

How many Madrassas and mosques are built illegally?
Unauthorised construction: Illegal mosques eating up security resources – The Express Tribune

CDA turns blind eye to illegal mosques | Pakistan Today | Latest news | Breaking news | Pakistan News | World news | Business | Sport and Multimedia
Due to the negligence of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), construction of illegal mosques continues in the city with over 40 mosques so far been illegally constructed in the various parts of the city while 82 other mosques have encroached upon CDA’s land.
As many as 21 mosques in G series have been constructed illegally while 55 mosques have encroached upon CDA’ land.

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Thanks for the Express Tribune link. The folks who commented appeared to be tolerant. Nice article, decent posts.

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**I think this the best answer:) **

Families from all over the country are celebrating. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS

LAHORE:
“It is heartening to see the Diwali tradition thrive in Lahore over the last few years. Over the years it has brought people with various religious beliefs together,” said Kiran Raj, who has been participating in Diwali festivities for the last 20 years. “My favorite part of Diwali are the fireworks after the puja that continue until midnight,” she said.
Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims and Christians from across Pakistan, particularly interior Sindh and the Punjab, showed up for Diwali festivities which started at Krishna Mandir on Ravi Road, and Balmik Mandir in Neela Gumbud on Tuesday evening.
The Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) of Pakistan has arranged the lighting and food at the two mandirs. The celebrations will continue until Thursday when the visiting Hindus and Sikhs will return home.
Azhar Abbas, the caretaker of the Gurdwara who was making arrangements at the Krishna Mandir, told The Express Tribune, that the Diwali festivities would continue for three days at both the mandirs.
According to Abbas, as many as 400 Hindus, 100 Sikhs and 200 to 300 Muslims and Christians showed up for the first day at the two mandirs. Hindu families living in Chakwal, Hyderabad, Jacobabad and Rawalpindi and Sikhs from Nankana Sahib were also slated to visit during the three days of festivities, he said. Abbas said some visitors stay with families and friends while others are accommodated at the Gurdwara.
He said currently 40 Hindus and about 60 Sikhs were staying at the Gurdwara.
Abbas said the budget for arranging Diwali festivities had been raised since 2009 to almost Rs1 million. “This has enabled more people to join the celebrations at the mandir during the last two years.”
“I have been with the ETPB since 1999 and at least 200 per cent more people show up now. In 2008, only 50 people showed up for Diwali. But last year, there were about 2,000 at the Krishna Mandir and about 500 at the Balmik Mandir.”
Besides leading the prayers the pundits also narrate popular stories from the Ramayan and the Bhagvad Gita.
Later, children and teenagers light lamps, sing bhajans, and light fireworks. Free snacks and gift vouchers are also distributed by the ETPB officials during the festivities, Abbas said. On the second day of Diwali, a dinner is arranged by the Hindu community in collaboration with the ETPB, he added. Hindus and Sikhs staying at the Gurdwara are also invited, he added.
Sikhs revere Diwali because Hargobind, the sixth guru, and 52 princes were set free on the day by Emperor Jehangir in 1619.
Bhagat Lal, who has been holding a puja on Diwali for the last 17 years, told The Express Tribune that his forefathers had been holding the puja for the last 150 years at the Balmik Mandir. He said he took over after his father’s voice became too shrill to continue. “Even though many people of other religions come out of curiosity, it feels good to see more people participate.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2012.
… Religious Rites:City Goverment Celebrate Diwali: The city district government will facilitate the Hindu community for Diwali falling in November. It would arrange a musical concert at the Town Hall for Hindu students, revealed District Coordination Officer Noorul Amin Mengal on Monday.
Chairing a meeting at the Town Hall, he said the minority communities based in Lahore would be protected and their freedom to perform religious rites without any fear guaranted. Additional Commissioner Revenue Nadir Chattha, Shalimar AC Shahid Kilyani, Hindu representatives and CDGL officers were present. Earlier, the representatives of the Hindu Community apprised Mengal of the problems they were facing to burn their bodies at Budoo Da Awa on the GT road. Mengal directed the officials concerned to construct a boundary wall at the cremation and provide drinking water, and watchman. He also directed Chattha to commence homework for the establishment of a community centre for Hindus in Lahore. Amar Nath, Ashiq Ram and Sabir Naz appreciated Mengal’s directions. They also thanked the Punjab chief minister for solving their problems.Tribune…,…, Bilawal says PPP always played its role in creating and promoting interfaith harmony and equality. PHOTO: AFP/FILE****KARACHI: **Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari while extending greetings to the Hindu community of Pakistan on Monday on the occasion of diwali, assured them that his party stands for their equal rights, joins them in the festival of lights and for a victory of good over evil. **
In a press statement, the Bilawal said that being the largest political party of the country, the PPP always played its role in creating and promoting interfaith harmony and equality.
“Today, we reiterate our commitment for the cause and mission of the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto to build an egalitarian and inclusive society where everyone enjoys a peaceful and prosperous life without any kind of discrimination,” the chairman added.
Bilawal said all the minorities, including the Hindus, are equal citizens of Pakistan and are free to celebrate their religious and cultural festivals and should be able rejoice the festivities without any fear.
“Pakistan Peoples Party will continue to play its role for the betterment and progress of the masses of Pakistan, including the minorities,” he maintained.

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It is nice to know all is well.

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Everyone can bring material to prove what he/she believes in. There is nothing absolute and no system can guarantee 100% safety to minorities.

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The situation is not good agreed, first of all realization is needed from the masses, its only then they will stand up against the injustices.

I agree with Muqawee too that no country is free from these biases, like in Mumbai its not easy for muslims to get places to rent...having said that, I'd want our country to give equal rights to all citizens regardless of their ethnicities and religion...if there's no ideal country in the region, why cant we make one?

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Ali one should differentiate relisation Vs generalisation. The message and the tone of such threads is very much tilted towards generlisation, which portray that every member of minority community in Pakistan can't go out from his/her home from the fear of majority (which is obviously not the case and you and me living in this society know it very well). My message for those posters ( who by any way consider them well wishers of Pakistan) is to stop portraying 'sher aaya sher aaya'. This extra emphasis on negativities ignoring positivity of Pakistani society will one day bring that 'sher' before us. Period.

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I think there is some confusion. The administration is saying that there was no temple, but a house that contained some statues of deities, which were removed before the house was demolished as it was illegally built or illegally occupied. This was done by the actual owner of the house or the land.

There is confusion over whether it was a temple, or a makeshift temple in illegally occupied property or land and the claim of temple was just a way to try to thwart the actual owner from taking possession back.

The government should investigate the matter and then take action if any wrongdoing has taken place. The people involved are all Pakistani citizens and the law should take its course irrespective of religion.

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This