Advani condemns demolition of temple at Lahore

New Delhi, June 14 : Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and senior BJP leader L K Advani today condemned the demolition of Krishna Mandir to pave the way for a commercial building at Lahore, the capital of West Punjab province of Pakistan.

Mr Advani in a statement quoting Pakistan newspaper 'Dawn' said the daily had lamented in its headline "Another temple is no more", severely criticising the authorities for allowing the demolition.

It had written that the demolition was in violation of Pakistan's own scheme for managment and disposal of urban evacuee properties.

The Evacuee Trust Property Board has allowed a jeweller to demolish the Hindu temple and construct a commercial building in its place at Wachhowali in Rang Mahal. The UPI agency had stated that this was the last remaining temple at Lahore.

Recalling his visit to Lahore in 2005, Mr Advani said Pakistan Government had " invited me to ruins of Katasraj Temple about 60 km from Lahore and asked me to inaugurate the project for restoration of those ancient temples dating back to Mahabharata days. Latest happening has naturally shocked millions in our country", Mr Advani regretted.

UNI