ISLAMABAD: Kha­teeb of Badshahi Masjid and Central Chairman of Ruet-i-Hilal Committee Pak­istan, Maulana Syed Muhammad Abdul Khabir Azad, has said the devastation and vandalism at the Bhong temple is a “conspiracy hatched by India”.

Maulana Azad along with a delegation of scholars visited the Bhong town in Rahim Yar Khan district to meet members of the Hindu community at the affected temple.

Maulana Azad assured the minority communities of all possible protection. “India wants to fan the flames of riots in Pakistan,” he said. However, he said, “[Since] all our institutions are with you, the conspirators will be punished.”

Maulana Azad told the leaders of the Hindu community that the Consti­tution was for all citizens including religious minority communities. He said an attempt had been made to fan the flames of Shia-Sunni riots under the guise of the temple incident. “This all is a deep conspiracy of India,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2021