In Brief:
- India unequivocally condemned the demolition as a "reprehensible act of vandalism against a century-old minority place of worship."
- The MEA highlighted the "apparent apathy of authorities" in failing to protect the historic shrine, describing it as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerability of minority communities in Pakistan.
- India called upon the Government of Pakistan to conduct a prompt, transparent investigation, hold perpetrators accountable, restore the desecrated temple, and ensure the safety and cultural heritage of its minority citizens.
In response to media queries regarding the destruction of a historic Hindu shrine in village Siraj, Narowal district, Pakistan, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an official statement on September 2, 2026. Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted with deep concern the reports of vandalism and subsequent demolition of the century-old place of worship.
The MEA criticized the administrative apathy of Pakistani local authorities for failing to safeguard religious sites belonging to minority communities. Calling for immediate remedial action, New Delhi urged the Government of Pakistan to undertake a transparent investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable, rebuild the desecrated temple structure, and fulfill its primary obligation to guarantee the security, well-being, and heritage rights of its minority populations.
