Pakistan: 31 arrested for damaging Hindu temple
Police detain dozens who instigated attack
Islamabad: Police arrested 31 people after a Hindu temple was destroyed by a mob in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Karak district, officials said on Thursday.
The attack happened after members of the Hindu community received permission from local authorities to renovate the Samadhi (shrine) of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj - considered sacred by the local Hindus.
Prime Minister Imran Khan condemned the tragic incident and assured “strict action against the culprits”.
Arrests made
Local police said they detained dozens and more raids were underway to arrest those who joined or provoked the mob to vandalise the shrine.
Special Aide to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, termed the attack a “sorrowful and regrettable” act and vowed that those “involved in attacks at worship places of minorities and threatening minorities will not be forgiven”.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information, Kamran Bangash strongly condemned the incident and said “the whole Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is saddened over attack on Hindu temple”. The provincial government would rebuild the temple, and the offenders will be punished and the rights of minorities protected, he said.
