Only Hindu temple in Lahore razed
upi | 6/13/6
LAHORE, Pakistan, June 13 (UPI) -- The only Hindu temple in Lahore, Pakistan, has been demolished to make way for a commercial building, reports Pakistan's English-language newspaper Dawn.
The report said officials of a government agency, responsible for maintaining properties of Hindu and Sikh minorities in the predominantly Muslim country, allegedly concealed facts so as to get approval from their chairman allowing a private developer to raze the Krishna Mandir (Temple).
The Dawn, quoting documents it had obtained, reported the board officials did not mention the property being given to an influential jeweler in the area was a Hindu temple. It said had the board chairman known, he might have rejected the request.
The board's rules prohibit the sale or demolition of properties that are part of a shrine, a religious place or a building of historical or architectural importance, the report said.
The newspaper said several opposition members had opposed the demolition, saying such an act would adversely affect Pakistan's relations with its neighbors, which includes India.
The Hindu temple was the last remaining in Lahore after another in the region was similarly permitted to be demolished. |
