MEA summons Pakistan Charge d'Affairs, launches firm protest over attack on Ganesh temple in Pakistan

New Delhi: External Affairs Ministry summoned Pakistan Charge d’Affairs and lodged a firm protest expressing grave concerns at the incident of violent mob attack on a Ganesh temple in Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab, Pakistan. India has called upon Pakistan to ensure the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities.

Replying to a media query, Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said incidents of violence, discrimination and persecution against the minority communities including attacks on places of worship have continued unabated in Pakistan.

Within the last year itself, various temples and Gurudwaras have been attacked including the Mata Rani Bhatiyani Mandir in Sindh in January last year, Gurudwara Sri Janam Sthan in January last year, a Hindu temple in Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in December 2020. 

The spokesperson said these incidents are occurring at an alarming rate while the state and security institutions in Pakistan have stood by idly and completely failed in preventing these attacks on the minority communities and their places of worship.

Replying to another query, the spokesperson said External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is currently in Tehran to represent India at



the swearing in ceremony of President elect Ebrahim Raisi. He said India and Iran enjoy historical and cultural ties. Both countries have been moving ahead with various new initiatives including on connectivity, such as Chabahar port.

Mr Bagchi also said Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure has grown with 25 countries and 7 International organizations as members and Bangladesh is the latest entrant. Prime Minister launched the CDRI during his speech at the UN Climate Action Summit on 23rd September, 2019. The objective is to promote the resilience of new and existing infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks in support of sustainable development.

On demise of Indian student in China, Mr Bagchi said Indian Embassy in Beijing is in touch with the University and local authorities, and an official from the Embassy is currently in Tiajin to provide necessary assistance.

He said local authorities are investigating the circumstances of the demise of the student. The Embassy as well as the Ministry are in regular touch with the family of the deceased student. Mr Bagchi said  efforts are to bring back the mortal remains as quickly as possible to India.