‘Are we not Pakistanis?’

Hindu community voices concern against notice of demolition of 82-year-old historic Hindu temple and Hindu houses in Rawalpindi

A decision for demolishing an 82-year-old Hindu temple located in the heart of Rawalpindi along with 53 single-room small houses to construct barracks by 495 Engineering Group of semi-government institution Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) has caused a panic, anger and fear among the minority community which takes pride in being Pakistani, as depicted by the green national flags displayed at the temple’s entrance.

Build in 1935, the temple named Maharishi Walmeck Swami Jee Temple and famous as Balaknash Temple is situated in Gracy Lines and is not only a hub of religious activities for the Hindu community of Rawalpindi but also enjoys historic values as it was constructed pre-partition.

The notices for demolishing the Hindu infrastructures were issued on July 18, but served on August 12-just two days prior to Independence day-in which the residents, who are living there since 1993, were told to pack their luggage and leave the area within six days.

Meanwhile, a Hindu graveyard located on 6.5 kanals of land is being demolished for the construction of luxurious B-type bungalows by Military Engineering Services (MES).

As construction work continues there, toilets for the labour have been built on the ‘Smadhis’ (graves) of local Hindus and now the graveyard has been reduced to only one and a half kanal.

No doubt the organisations concerned are offering the displaced Hindus substitute residences but substitute residences cannot provide a replacement for the religious temple being demolished and its historic value.

Minority MP Asfandyar Bhandara has reportedly contacted the civil court over the issue which has issued a stay order regarding the demolition of Hindu areas.

HINDU WORSHIPPERS ATTACKED:

Meanwhile, unidentified people reportedly pelted stones on Hindu worshipers engaged in worship during the Hindu festival ‘Janamashtami’.

A Hindu resident Ashok Chand reportedly said that the temple and the houses in Block 141 colony are home to Hindus, Christians and some Muslims since World War II.

Even the map and all other documents and pre-requisites of the temple are present in Military Estate Office as the temple was constructed before partition.

“67 years after partition, despite the fact that we refused to live in India and decided to stay here in Jinnah’s Pakistan, our homes and sacred temple is being bulldozed. Are we not Pakistanis? Are we not humans?” he asked.

“Why are we not considered Pakistanis?” asked Siwaa, a 73-year-old Hindu lay.

It is hard to build a house nowadays, she said, adding that it is more difficult to build a new temple due to religious intolerance.

At present there are 60 Hindu families residing in Rawalpindi, who despite facing all difficulties and discriminations are proud Pakistanis. However, the continued intolerance and disrespect is forcing them to consider the idea of migration.