On Wednesday, New Delhi strongly condemned the reported destruction of a century-old Hindu temple located in the Narowal region of Pakistan. Government authorities in India demanded that Islamabad immediately investigate the incident and hold all responsible parties fully accountable for the damage.

Furthermore, the Indian government stated that Pakistan must take urgent remedial measures to restore the damaged place of worship. Authorities emphasized that protecting minority cultural heritage is a primary obligation for the neighboring nation.

Read More: PM Narendra Modi Urges Vladimir Putin to Pursue Dialogue for Peace in Ukraine

Speaking distressing development, ministry external

Speaking on the distressing development, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the official stance of the Indian government with the public.

"We have noted with deep concern the disturbing reports of the destruction of a historic Hindu temple in village Siraj, Narowal, Pakistan. We unequivocally condemn this reprehensible act of vandalism against a century-old minority place of worship," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Jaiswal also pointed out the indifference shown “The apparent apathy of authorities and failure to protect this century-old temple is alarming," Jaiswal said, adding that such incidents are a "stark reminder" of the continuing "vulnerability" of minority communities and the "egregious violations" of their religious freedoms and places of worship in Pakistan.

In addition to asking for immediate restoration work, India urged the Pakistani administration to ensure total transparency regarding how the destruction happened.

Also Read: Acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court Breaks Silence

"We call upon the Government of Pakistan to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable," he said.

Concluding his remarks, the spokesperson reiterated that the safety, security, and well-being of all minority citizens must remain a top priority for Islamabad. "Furthermore, the Government of Pakistan must take immediate remedial measures to restore the desecrated temple and fulfil its primary obligation to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all its minority citizens and their cultural heritage," Jaiswal added.