Builder Exploits Lockdown to Destroy the Pre-Partition Hanuman Mandir
Minority Watch, Karachi— A pre-partition Hanuman Mandir, located in the heart of Lyari, Karachi, was demolished by a local builder on Monday (August 17, 2020).
The temple, which had stood for decades as a cultural and religious symbol for the Hindu community, was razed under controversial circumstances, sparking outrage among the local Hindu population.
This demolition occurred during the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown, which limited public movement and prevented residents from visiting the temple.
Hindu Families Protest Demolition in Lyari
On the following day, the narrow Fida Hussain Sheikh Road in Lyari was flooded by dozens of Hindu families who gathered in protest upon hearing the news.
Many residents, including those who lived nearby, expressed their anger and disappointment over the destruction of a religious landmark that had been part of their lives for generations.
One local resident, Mohammad Irshad Baloch, condemned the demolition, stating, “This is unjust because the place of worship was demolished. It was an old temple. We have seen it since childhood.”
Alleged Deception by the Builder
According to reports, the builder, who had purchased the land surrounding the temple, had assured local Hindu residents that the temple would not be touched as part of the development plan.
However, the builder proceeded with the demolition, prompting accusations of deceit and exploitation of the pandemic’s restrictions.
A resident, Heera Lal, claimed, “We were assured by the builder that the temple would not be demolished.” The demolition occurred late on Sunday evening, when the lockdown prevented the community from visiting the temple to prevent any disturbances.
Police Action and Investigation into the Incident
Following protests from the local Hindu community, Lyari’s Assistant Commissioner Abdul Karim Memon visited the scene to investigate the demolition.
The police sealed off the construction site and initiated an inquiry into the actions of the builder. Memon confirmed that the investigation was underway and emphasized that justice would be pursued. “The site is sealed so that it can be investigated,” he stated.
Mohan Lal, a local Hindu activist, accused the builder of threatening members of the community and preventing them from entering the site after the demolition.
“We tried to enter the temple but the builder did not give entry,” he said. Many locals believe the builder’s actions were a violation of their rights and are demanding the reconstruction of the temple.
Pakistan’s Struggle with Minority Religious Heritage
The demolition of the Hanuman Mandir is part of a troubling pattern in Pakistan, where minority religious sites, particularly those of the Hindu community, have been under threat for decades.
Since the partition of India in 1947, Pakistan has seen the gradual erosion of its Hindu heritage, with hundreds of temples either demolished or repurposed for other uses. The destruction of temples has been an ongoing issue, with many places of worship converted into mosques, shops, or other structures.
This incident adds to the growing frustration among Pakistan’s Hindu community, who often feel marginalized and excluded from the country’s religious narrative.
Despite the occasional promise of government support, such as Prime Minister Imran Khan’s proposal to build a Krishna temple in Islamabad, these gestures are often overshadowed by continued acts of demolition and neglect of religious minorities.
The Need for Recognition and Preservation of Minority Heritage
In light of this recent demolition, there is a growing call for Pakistan to recognize and preserve its diverse cultural and religious heritage.
Notable efforts by Pakistani citizens, like journalist Reema Abbasi’s book Historic Temples in Pakistan: A Call to Conscience, have sought to document and raise awareness about the country’s rich Hindu heritage.
However, as many temples continue to disappear, the task of preserving this history remains challenging.
The situation reflects broader tensions surrounding Pakistan’s identity and its complex relationship with its non-Islamic past.
Despite these challenges, the struggle to reclaim and protect minority religious sites continues to be a vital issue for Pakistan’s Hindu community, who remain determined to safeguard their cultural and spiritual landmarks.
A History of Erasure and Resistance
As Pakistan moves further away from its Hindu roots, the legacy of its ancient civilizations continues to surface.
Archaeological discoveries, such as the recent unearthing of Hindu statues and artifacts in Karachi, serve as reminders of the country’s rich and diverse past.
Yet, the resistance to acknowledging this history persists, with the ongoing demolition of temples and the marginalization of Hindu communities reflecting the broader societal challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan.
For the moment, the demolition of the Hanuman Mandir stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect religious freedom and preserve minority heritage in Pakistan.