125-year-old gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; distressing, says India

 125-year-old gurdwara demolished in Pakistan; distressing, says India

India has condemned the demolition of a historic Sikh shrine in Pakistan as a deeply distressing act of vandalism. Sikh organisations and political leaders have demanded accountability and restoration of the gurdwara, and stronger protection for religious minorities.  

A nearly 125-year-old Sikh shrine in Pakistan's Punjab province was razed on Wednesday, by a local businessman without the required official approval, triggering protests from the minority Sikh community and drawing a strong diplomatic response from India.

The historic Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, around 70 km from Lahore, was demolished by a businessman who allegedly failed to obtain the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the relevant authorities.

Responding to media reports, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)of India described the incident as "deeply distressing" and strongly condemned what it called a "highly deplorable" and "targeted act of vandalism" against a revered Sikh place of worship.

"We have seen the deeply distressing reports regarding the demolition of the historic 125-year-old sacred Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad, Pakistan. We strongly condemn this highly deplorable and targeted act of vandalism against a revered Sikh shrine," the MEA said

The businessman had demolished the gurdwara without obtaining the required No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the department concerned. 

The department had not taken notice of it until the Sikhs of the area protested.

The demolition sparked protests by local Sikhs, prompting Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to take cognisance of the matter, according to the official.