This Hindu crematorium, or Shamshan Ghat, Rawalpindi has managed to defy attempts by many-a would-be usurper. The facility has been around for nearly two centuries but the temple there was built in 1923, in memory of the late Tunsukh Rai by his wife and sons.

In July 19, 2010, the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) tried to pull down the temple, but local Muslims joined the Hindu community and resisted.

According to documents available at the of Rawalpindi Revenue Department, the building in question was built was handed over to the Hindu community in 1949.

A letter issued by Rawalpindi’s Deputy Rehabilitation Commissioner in August 13, 1949, addressed to the president of the Pakistan Hindu Sudhar Sabha, says, “10 kanals and 17 marlas of land belonging to Shamshan Bhumi on Murree Road near Islamia High School is available whose possession you may obtain through the Rehabilitation Officer Ward II.”

Pakistan Hindu-Sikh Social Welfare Council President Jag Mohan Kumar Arora said that after the establishment of EPTB in 1967, the building was handed over to the Patients Welfare Association managed by Begum Masooda Naqshbandi.

He said that according to revenue record before 1970, Khasra No. 507 to 511 belonged to Shamshan Ghat including that building.

He said that the revenue record of the said land was tampered in 1972. However, he said, the revenue record of the land from 1946 to 1967 clearly showed that the building was meant for worship.

He said that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) was merely a custodian of the trusted properties. It has no right either to demolish or alter structures of such buildings, he said.

— Text by Aamir Yasin, Photo by Khurram Amin

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2014