RAWALPINDI: The Hindu and Christian community protested against the relocation of their katchi basti in Gracy Line, Chaklala Cantt on Wednesday.

The community fears that they will not be welcomed in any other part of the city after being evicted, even though they have been living in this area for more than 80 years.

Built in 1935, the Maharishi Valmik Swamiji Mandir remains one of the only three active Hindu temples in Rawalpindi.

The Hindu community has apprehensions about the future of this temple, once the community relocates to some other area.

“We celebrate our religious festivals here. If we are moved to some other place the temple will be ruined within days,” Ashok Chand, a member of the Hindu community, said. “We want to live near the temple otherwise the future of our 82-year-old Valmiki temple will be at stake.”

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of National Assembly (MNA) Asfandyar Bhindara addressed the Hindu, Christian and the newly converted Muslim community members at the Valmiki Mandir.

“I shall raise the issue with the concerned authorities. No one should be expelled from his house,” he said.

There are around 20 to 30 houses in Block 141, Gracy Line, Chaklala block, which hosts a mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim population.

The station headquarters have issued notices to the residents of the block to vacate their place within 10 days, so that an educational and housing complex can be constructed in the area.

The Hindu and Christian community of the area have pleaded to the prime minister, defence minister and defence secretary, along with other concerned authorities, to resolve their issue.

“This is the safest place for minorities and they have lived here for more than 82 years,” said MNA Bhindara. “This temple is still active due to the Hindu community here. Is there any other place in the city where Hindus will be welcomed and allowed to build a temple,” he asked.

“We will not feel safe in any other place, if we leave this area,” said Jagdesh Bhatti, the patron-in-chief of Sudhar Young Hindu Welfare Society.

“Hindus, Christians and Muslims have been living here in harmony for so many years, but today we are celebrating Independence Day in sorrow,” he added.

A Christian community member, Victor John, said they were being asked to take Rs0.4 million and leave the place. “But this is not enough to build a house,” he said.

“Our elders converted from Hinduism to Islam, but we are still living here since many years; we want to live together in peace,” said Abid, a Muslim resident of the area.

Published in Dawn, Aug 14th, 2014