Illegal Occupation of a 100-Year-Old Shiva Temple in Sindh, Pakistan
Sindh, Pakistan — Reports have emerged of an illegal occupation of the land belonging to a 100-year-old Shiva temple near Tando Jam town in Sindh province, Pakistan. This incident has sparked widespread outrage among the Hindu community in Pakistan.
Shiva Kachhi, head of the Darawar Ittehad organization and an active representative of the Hindu community, has appealed to the Pakistani government for protection and preservation of the temple and its land.
Social Media Outcry
Shiva Kachhi recently brought the matter to light through a video posted on social media. In the video, he highlighted that the Shiva temple, located in Musa Khatian village, Sindh province, is a historical landmark, nearly a century old. He alleged that individuals have illegally occupied the land surrounding the temple and have begun unauthorized construction.
Access to the Temple Blocked
Kachhi's video also revealed that the illegal occupants have not only started construction around the temple but have also blocked the main access route. This is causing significant hardship for devotees visiting the temple for prayers and religious observances.
Temple Complex Spreads Over Four Acres
Kachhi informed that the temple and its surrounding approximately four acres of land are under the purview of a trust responsible for its upkeep. The temple holds significant religious and historical importance. Every Monday, local Hindus gather there for devotional singing and religious events. A cremation ground for Hindus is also located nearby, where annual religious festivals are held.
Renovated Last Year
Considering the historical significance of the temple, a team from the Sindh Heritage Department undertook its renovation last year. This led to a surge in religious activities, and the local Hindu community lauded the effort. However, the recent illegal land grab and construction have raised concerns about the temple's security once again.
Demand for Government Intervention
Shiva Kachhi has urged the Pakistani government to immediately remove the illegal occupation from the temple land and take legal action against those responsible. He emphasized that protecting the religious identity of minorities and their places of worship is the government's responsibility.
He further stated that a failure to act promptly would not only hurt the religious sentiments of the Hindu community but also damage Pakistan's international image.
Outrage Within the Hindu Community
This incident has caused widespread anger and resentment within Pakistan's Hindu community. Already facing numerous challenges, the minority community now views such illegal occupations of religious sites as a further cause for concern.
