The lack of respect shown towards minority groups and their sites of worship is a cause for concern. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
The Khushal Bagh — or Gorakh Degi — houses a pool with a natural stream that has run through it since 1675. Unfortunately, the Panj Tirath (the five ponds) was destroyed in the 1970s, hosting the site of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This precious site once adopted by lower caste Hindus — who were barred from entering other temples reserved for higher caste Hindus — was obliterated. While the Aasamai Temple remains standing, it is closed for worshipers. Once again, respect for other groups’ heritage sites has been forgone. The Aasamai Temple is special because it is one of the only two such temples in the world. Yet, the government, which still lays claim to the temple’s holds, along with Khushal Bagh, does not seem to acknowledge its uniqueness. However, if the government is not going to protect and maintain these sites, it should hand over control to the Hindu community, which will respect and maintain them for their sacredness.
This story underscores, once again, the lack of respect shown towards minority groups and their sites of worship. We hope that soon the government and the rest of society will wake up to the vast and rapid cleansing of minority heritage sites across the country. In the end, we must remember that all groups are sacrosanct to the beauty and diversity that comprise Pakistan’s population.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 22nd, 2013.
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Protecting the rights of minorities is the job of all authorities as well as individuals. In most Muslim majority countries, the rights and places of worship of all minorities (including various sects) if often ignored. Sometimes intentionally. I commend Tribune Editorial Board to raise these issues and bring it to the forefront.
Ensuring Rights for the Minorities is the job for Provincial Government.