Q. 5431 VANDALISATION OF HINDU PLACES OF WORSHIP

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether incidents of desecration and vandalisation of Hindu Temples/Guru dwaras have been noticed in neighbouring countries;

(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to maintain these places and avoid their desecration; and

(c) the details of measures taken/talks held to check activities of desecration and vandalisation of temples in future?

ANSWER : THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI PRENEET KAUR)

(a) to (c) Government has seen reports of a few incidents of desecration and vanda lisation of Hindu temples in Bangladesh and Hindu Temples and Gurudwaras in Pakistan.

It is the responsibility of the Government of Bangladesh and Pakistan to discharge their obligations towards their citizens including the protection of their places of worship. However, based on reports of persecution of minority groups in Pakistan, Government had taken up this matter with the Government of Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan stated that it was fully cognizant of the situation and loo ked after the welfare of all its citizens, particularly the minority community. The Government of Bangladesh continues to assure us of their commitment to safeguarding minority rights.

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