PESHAWAR - Strongly condemning miscreants attack on the Hindu temple at Gor Gathri, Peshawar, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister for Information, Mian Iftikhar Hussain said it was another shameful act on the part of the religious fanatics.
He assured the Hindu community that the government would investigate the said incident and those involved in it would be sternly punished. This he said while visiting the Shiv Ji and Matha Temples at Gor Gathri Peshawar on Monday. The temple was attacked by some miscreants on Sunday night. Secretary Information and Culture Azmat Hanif Orakzai, Director Museums Shah Nazar and Madam Faryal Gohar were also present on this occasion.
Mian Iftikhar maintained that the ANP-led government believed in religious and sectarian harmony and all the people living in the soil were equal citizens for them, irrespective of their religions, sects or races. He added that the government would make every effort for the safety of lives and properties of the citizens. He dispelled the impression that the Sunday night attack was not a wave of religious fanatics.
The minister observed that the miscreants got nothing by attacking the temple but hurt the feelings of the Hindu community, saying that they all were equally sharing the sorrows of the Hindu community. He added that some elements wanted to divide them on the basis of religion but “let it be clear to them that we all are one and the same citizens of this country and will unitedly work for the progress and prosperity of the nation, irrespective of the differences of our beliefs or faith.”
The minister while directing for the renovation of the said temple ordered to ensure its security in all respects. He said that the temple was situated in a secure area but despite that the government would take steps for its security. He assured that those committing such crimes would be dealt with iron hands.
DCO vows to bring
responsible to book
Following vandalisation of the Hindu temple in tehsil Gor Gathri area of Peshawar, District Coordination Officer, Peshawar, Siraj Ahmad Khan visited the temple and appointed DSP Kotwali Riaz Khan an enquiry officer to probe the incident and submit a detailed report within a weak.
DCO Siraj Ahamd Khan assured full cooperation on the part of the district government and vowed to bring the responsible to justice. He met with the elder member of Hindu community Ramish Babu Lal and watchmen Binwalri Lal. The elder of Hindu community informed that the other night some unidentified persons entered the temple and ransacked it.
DCO Siraj Ahmad Khan issued directives to DPS concerned to prepare a detailed enquiry report and make sure the security of the temple in future. He also issued directives to Director Archeology to install barbed wires on the boundary walls of the temple. He also ordered SHO Kotwali to contact the Washman of the temple and deploy police personnel around the temple.
Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister for Sports, Tourism, Archeology and Youth Affiars, Syed Aqil Shah clarified that the temple in tehsil Gor Gathri was quite safe as it was not set on fire, nor its statues were stolen. He said some miscreants tried to create disturbance, which was condemned by the provincial government.
This he said while visiting the temple situated at Tehsil Gor Gathri on the directives of Chief Minister, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Syed Aqil Shah termed the reporting of the incident as out of proportion. Assistant Coordination Officer Peshawar Syed Zafar Ali Shah, police officers and Director Archeology Dr Shah Nazar Khan were also present on the occasion.
Syed Aqil Shah further said that the height of the walls of the said temple would be raised while separate amount of Rs 30 lakh would be earmarked for its streets pavement and decoration. He said work on it would be started in August and the same work would be completed in December 2012.
He said our religion Islam orders to respect the places of worships of all religions and his party ANP being a secular party considered Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Sikhs as equal.
Syed Aqil Shah directed the concerned police and administration to keep the security of the temple high alert. He said the reports of DCO Peshawar and Director Archeology regarding the incident would be presented to Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti. He said the work made by hand in the temple would be preserved through the experts of National College of Arts Lahore and Peshawar University.