New Delhi: Janata Dal (U) on Saturday condemned the vandalism of the holy Sikh shrine Gurdwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, saying the country that keeps raising matters of human rights and religious liberty with the international forums, has been exposed.
JD (U) chief general secretary and national spokesperson KC Tyagi told ETV Bharat here that India must take up the matter with Pakistan at the highest level as it was a matter of national importance.
"When the corridor connecting the Gurdwara Nankana Sahib with India was opened up, Sikhs across the world celebrated, a number of VVIPs from India also visited the shrine," he said, adding that it was painful.
"I'm pained that this attack on the shrine took place," he said, adding the matter requires no politics over it and all concerned must condemn it.
He also praised the Ministry of External Affairs for its prompt response over the issue and said everything possible should be done to deal with the situation.
Also read: Stones pelted at Nankana Sahib gurdwara in Pak
"We are concerned at the vandalism carried out at the revered Nankana Sahib Gurdwara (in Pakistan). Members of the minority Sikh community have been subjected to acts of violence in the holy city of Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji," a statement issued by the MEA said.
"India strongly condemns these wanton acts of destruction and desecration of the holy place. We call upon the Government of Pakistan to take immediate steps to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of the members of the Sikh community," it added.
The famous Sikh shrine was attacked on Friday by a mob led by one Mohammad Imran, brother of Mohammad Hassan, the man who is accused to have abducted, converted and married a Sikh girl in Pakistan. The mob was reportedly angry over the "police atrocity" against the accused in the case of forced marriage.
Also read: Gurdwara Nankana Sahib 'untouched and undamaged': Pak govt
