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Pakistan Demolishes Hinglaj Mata Mandir In Sindh, UNESCO-Recognised Sharda Peeth Near LoC: Report

Nishtha Anushree

Nov 24, 2023, 12:54 PM | Updated 12:54 PM IST


Sharada Peeth, located in the village of Sharda in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir
Sharada Peeth, located in the village of Sharda in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir

In another alarming series of human rights violations, authorities in Pakistan have reportedly targeted Hindu places of worship. The Hinglaj Mata Mandir (temple) in Sindh province fell victim to this crackdown on religious minorities, with officials in the Tharparkar District citing a court order to justify the demolition in the city of Mithi.

Furthermore, information from CNN News18 reveals the demolition of another Hindu site – the Sharda Peeth Mandir (temple) near the Line of Control (LOC). This action occurred despite a standing Supreme Court order aimed at protecting the temple. Reports also indicate the construction of a coffee house near the temple, scheduled for inauguration in November this year.

Top government sources acknowledge that such atrocities against Hindus are not isolated incidents in Pakistan. The community has faced persistent challenges, including targeted violence, killings, and encroachments on their lands. Local involvement in these acts, often followed by government endorsement, has been a recurring pattern.

Even the Sharda Peeth, recognised as a UNESCO site, did not escape destruction. The demolition contradicts international preservation efforts and raises questions about protecting cultural and religious heritage in the region. These incidents underscore the ongoing persecution faced by Hindus in the country.

Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.


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