In a controversial move, a nearly 150-year-old Mari Mata Temple in Karachi, Pakistan, was forcibly demolished, causing panic and anger among the local Hindu community. The temple, located in Soldier Bazaar, Karachi, was bulldozed in the presence of heavy police force late at night. Reports suggest that the authorities declared it a dangerous structure, but the demolition took place without prior notice.
150-Year-Old Mari Mata Temple in Karachi, Pakistan, Forcefully Bulldozed, Sparking Outrage and Panic
Ramnath Mishra Maharaj, the caretaker of Hindu temples in the area, expressed shock and ignorance about the demolition, stating that the authorities demolished the entire structure inside, while keeping the outer walls and main gate intact. The temple, believed to be around 150 years old and covering an area of 400 to 500 square yards, had faced attempts to seize its land for years.
Temple Demolished in Late-Night Operation with Heavy Police Presence, Causing Anger and Disbelief
According to local police, the temple was demolished as it was deemed dangerous by the authorities. They claimed that the temple management, representing the Madrasi Hindu community of Karachi, acknowledged the structure’s dilapidated state. The idols of the deities were reportedly relocated to a smaller room before the demolition.
Local Hindu leader Ramesh revealed that the temple management had faced pressure to vacate the premises as the temple land was allegedly sold to a developer based on forged documents. The developer aims to construct a commercial building on the temple land. The Hindu community has appealed to the Pakistan-Hindu Council, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, and the Inspector General of Sindh Police to urgently address the matter. It is worth noting that Sindh province houses a significant Hindu population, with Hindus being the largest minority community in the region.
