#AreHindusLesserPakistani Trends On Twitter As Users Slam Desecration Of Hindu Temple
Twitterati have not taken lightly to the desecration of a site chosen for the Hindu temple in Islamabad and threats to the community, questioning whether the Hindu community enjoyed equal rights in the Islamic Republic.
#AreHinduLesserPakistanis became the top trend on Twitter after the government stopped the construction of a temple in the federal capital due to pressure from some extremist circles.
Days after the construction was stopped, the site was vandalized and a man also gave Azan on the premises. Another video making rounds on social media warned the prime minister that they’d kill the Hindu worshippers if a temple was built in Islamabad.
This prompted a strong response from the people on social media, who urged the government to step in to promote plurality instead of giving in to the demands of zealots, once again.
Artist and songwriter Ali Gul Pir urged PM Imran Khan, who often speaks about the minorities, to walk the talk. He hoped that PM would show the world that he was different than his counterpart in India.
Hey @ImranKhanPTI all that talk about Modi being RSS and bigots. Time for u to put ur money where ur mouth is and show the world that ur different. Hope to see the Mandir in Islamabad built soon or u stop talking about the plight of Muslims in India #AreHindusLesserPakistani
— Ali Gul Pir (@Aligulpir) July 7, 2020
A journalist also condemned the intolerance surrounding the construction of the temple.
All Pakistanis irrespective of faith, Hindus or otherwise, have equal share in the state of #Pakistan. Together, we are the shades of green and white, which remain incomplete without the other. #AreHindusLesserPakistani
— Shahid Raza (@schaheid) July 7, 2020
Another user said the Hindus believe in interfaith harmony the same as Islam.
Islam teaches humanity and respect to all religion. We all Hindus believe in religious harmony, peace and brotherhood. Tharparkar and Mithi are famous for brotherhood & religious harmony, Muslims don’t slaughter cow while Hindu offers food & Iftari..😍#AreHindusLesserPakistani? pic.twitter.com/egZoqju5Et
— Dhanjee Kolhi (@DhanjeeKolhi) July 7, 2020
Another demanded freedom to worship for all citizens.
We never dreamed of becoming the premiers of this country, neither does the Constitution provide us this right.
But, constitution definitely upholds our rights to religious freedom, freedom to be equal citizens and so.
We demand those rights.#AreHindusLesserPakistani? pic.twitter.com/MN9HdHm1ym— Grouve Kumar Maheshwari 🇵🇰 (@drgrouve_km) July 7, 2020
Dear Naya Daur
It pains me to know how some Pakistanis have beocme so small minded and bigoted. Do not these religious fanatics realize that such wanton disregard of minority rights is against the teaching of their religion? Do not thy know that the constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of their faith, color and creed?
Since coming to power in August 2018, Khan’s government has often promised to improve conditions for minorities in the country, including the restoration of several religious shrines. The government announced last year it was hoping to restore some 400 Hindu temples across the country as part of its plan to showcase the heritage of minorities, particularly Hindus and Sikhs.
Last November, the Pakistani government inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, leading to one of the holiest sites in Sikh religion, where Sikhism’s founder Guru Nanak spent his last days. The corridor allows visa-free travel for approximately 5,000 Sikh pilgrims a day to the temple, crossing the border with India.
So why such a fuss on a small Hindi temple. India media is having a field day on the stupidity of some Pakistanis. It is great that most of the nation is in favour of this temple and Social media is doing its bit to support the construction.