A video clip of a mob attacking a temple in Rahim Yar Khan has gone viral on social media where several people can be seen demolishing and vandalizing the property. They even set temple on fire afterwards.
As per reports, the unfortunate event took place in village Bhong of Rahim Yar Khan on Wednesday. The videos went viral as the incident was being live streamed on Facebook.
Police and Rangers have taken control of the area and the intruders have been apprehended.
Dr. Rameesh Vankwani, a member of the National Assembly, tweeted the videos of the incident pointing the negligence by the police as shameful.
Attack on Hindu temple at Bhong City District Rahimyar Khan Punjab. Situation was tense since yesterday. Negligence by local police is very shameful. Chief Justice is requested to take action. pic.twitter.com/5XDQo8VwgI
— Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021
People from all over the country condemned the attack and urged the Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan to take notice.
A #Hindu temple in #RahimYarKhan's city of Bhong is being vandalized by beasts.
We strongly condemn such acts. The @GovtofPakistan is demanded to take action against such beasts as soon as possible@PakUN_Geneva @HRCP87 @KDSindhi @DrRekha99 @ShireenAijaz @Anumtalpur @marvi_memon pic.twitter.com/6OC5zy4wbG— Akhtar Ali (@imAkhtarAS) August 4, 2021
Attacked on our temple at Bhong City District Rahimyar Khan #Punjab It's violation of constitution in our country.We requested to Chief justice plz take action against these types of violence & plz respect our religion#templeattack #RahimYarKhan @BBhuttoZardari @ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/vsnOzi5x6Y
— Pooja Bajaj (@poojabajaj656) August 5, 2021
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Mr. Shahbaz Gill tweeted on the matter condemning the attack and acknowledging that the Prime Minister’s office has taken notice of the incident and has directed the district administration to look into the matter and take strict action against those involved in this crime.
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He also said that Pakistan’s constituency provides the rights to the minorities to perform their religious worship freely.
It is very sad & unfortunate incident. PM office took notice of this untoward incident & directed district administration to probe the case & take strict action against the culprits.Pakistani constitution provides freedom & protection to minorities to perform their worship freely https://t.co/RuLOe69VSb
— Dr. Shahbaz GiLL (@SHABAZGIL) August 4, 2021
Minister for Human Rights Dr. Shireen Mazari also tweeted about the incident calling it a condemnable act and a violation of the constituency of Pakistan.
The attack on the Hindu temple in RYK is not simply condemnable but violates our constitution & the basic human rights of our citizens. MoHR in touch with RYK police since yesterday to ensure action ag perpetrators – got report – following up – our Parl Secy going to visit today.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) August 5, 2021
Dr. Ramesh Vankwani posted another video with the updated news where he confirmed that the situation has been brought under control by the authorities and that this attack took place in retaliation of a previous incident that occurred on July 24. He also stressed on the interfaith harmony needed during this time.
Situation is now under control. In contact with local community and administration. Watch my video statement on Hindu temple attack at Bhong Sharif Rahim Yar Khan Punjab. Interfaith harmony is need of time. pic.twitter.com/q80MnYuKoz
— Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) August 4, 2021
The incident in question occurred on July 24 where a young boy was arrested on charges of intentionally urinating on a carpet in the madrassa’s library that housed religious books.
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The vandals were incited by a court ruling that granted bail to the 8-year-old Hindu boy in the alleged madrassa desecration. The mob alleges the boy committed blasphemy, an act punishable by the death sentence in Pakistan.