Statement issued by Shri L.K. Advani,
Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
on 14.6.2006

I strongly condemn the demolition of a Krishna Mandir in Lahore.

Pakistan's National Daily DAWN, in a news story captioned "Another temple is no more" has severely criticized the authorities for allowing this to happen.

The paper (dated 28th May, 2006) writes: "In violation of its own scheme for management and disposal of urban evacuee properties, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has allowed a jeweler to demolish a Hindu temple and construct a commercial building in its place at Wachhowali in Rang Mahal".

The United Press International reports that "this was the last remaining temple in Lahore".

Exactly a year back, in June 2005, I had visited Lahore. The Pakistan Government invited me to the ruins of the Katasraj Temples, about 60 kms. from Lahore, and asked me to inaugurate a project for the restoration of those ancient temples dating back to the Mahabharata era.

This latest happening has naturally shocked millions in our country.