Pindi temples to get CCTV cameras

To ensure security of Hindu temples following the Karak incident, the Rawalpindi administration has decided to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the entrances of all worship sites, officials said on Monday.

Keeping in view the precarious security situation of the city and the country in general, the government is unwilling to take any chances with misguided sections of society attacking worship places of the minorities, they said.

Rawalpindi District Commissioner Anwarul Haq has also sought suggestions from pundits of the temples regarding security, the officials mentioned, adding that peace committees will be assigned special duties in this regard. The Hindu community celebrates all festivals and religious rituals at their worship sites, he noted.

“In view of the recent incident in Karak, it has been decided to jack up the security measures in all temples in the Rawalpindi district,” the officer said. There are 13 temples in Rawalpindi district, namely Shri Krishna Temple in Saddar, Ambardaran Temple in Bohar Bazaar, Bagh Sardaran Temple Complex, Ganesha Temple in Lunda Bazaar, Ganj Mandi Temple, Jandial Temple in Taxila, Kahuta Temple, Kalyan Das Temple in Kohati Bazaar, Krishna Temple near Purana Qila, Lal Kurti Temple, Madanpura Temple in Gawalmandi and Sagari Temple.

The CCTV cameras would be installed at the entrances of all temples and they will be under the control of the local police stations, the spokesperson said. The police patrolling in the surrounding areas will also be increased while affidavits will be acquired from the local residents of the areas, he added. The Rawalpindi administration is also planning to start a special helpline for the security of places of worship, the official shared. However, the Hindu community of the federal capital has yet to acquire a temple of their own.

Although the CDA had allotted a piece of land and the government had allocated funds, the issue became controversial. The members of Hindu community perform their rituals at the various temples in Rawalpindi.