ISLAMABAD: After the Hindu community’s efforts for a temple, community centre and crematorium in Islamabad, the city’s managers have decided to allocate land for the purpose in H-9.

In the absence of a temple, around 800 Hindus from Islamabad have been celebrating festivals in their homes, and in case of a death in their community, they take the bodies either to Rawalpindi or to their native towns for cremation.

The only temple in the twin cities is Krishna Mandir in Kabari Bazaar, Saddar Rawalpindi. There are also some small temples in residential parts of the Rawalpindi cantonment.

Islamabad’s Hindu community has previously had to travel to Rawalpindi to visit Krishna Mandir. The Capital Development Authority has now decided to provide four kanals at H-9/2, near a plot already allocated to the All Pakistan Buddhist Society.

“We have earmarked the four kanal plot in H-9 for the Hindu community. They have every right to have their temple and cremation centre in Islamabad,” said CDA Member Planning Asad Mehboob Kayani.

He said a summary for the plot’s allotment had been prepared, and would be placed before the CDA board in its upcoming meeting for formal approval.

Mr Kayani said the plot would be handed over to the community through the Auqaf department.

Rights activist Kapil Dev said the CDA’s decision to allocate a plot was “good news for over 800 members of the Hindu community in Islamabad.” He said based on a petition filed by Dr Ashok Kumar Tanwani, the National Commission for Human Rights had directed the CDA to provide land to the Hindu community.

Mr Dev expressed gratitude and said the government should allocate funds so the community can begin construction after getting possession of the land. “Hindus living in Islamabad are not very rich. We request the government to allocate funds for a temple and community centre,” he added.

Temple in Saidpur village

The Hindu community in the twin cities has demanded restoration of Ram Mandir in Saidpur village, which was abandoned in 1947.

The mandir is said to have been built by Raja Man Singh during time of the Mughal emperor Akbar, but has not been used as a place of worship since partition.

PTI lawmaker Lal Chand Malhi, who has been running a campaign for the restoration of the mandir, welcomed the CDA decision to provide land for a temple and community centre, but also demanded the immediate restoration of the temple.

CDA spokesperson Malik Saleem said the authority would play its role in restoring the place of worship.

Published in Dawn October 22nd, 2016