Baloch Assembly protests against dam project endangering a Hindu temple
30 Jun 2008, 1802 Hrs

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Islamabad, June 30 (ANI): The Government of Pakistan has been asked by the Baloch Provincial Assembly to pass a parliamentary resolution to cancel the construction of a dam over the Hangol River, saying that such a dam could permanently damage an ancient temple of Hindus located in the area.

Balochistan's Irrigation and Power Minister Sardar Mohammad Aslam Bizenjo and other provincial ministers moved a resolution on the floor of the assembly over the weekend that categorically objected to the dam being constructed near the historical Hinglaj Mata Temple, where an annual festival is held every April.

The Baloch Assembly resolution warned that if the dam was constructed, the temple could go under water sooner than later, and this would hurt the sentiments of all Hindus.

It requested the federal government to have the dam constructed elsewhere.

One legislator from the Hindu community, Basant Lal Gulshan, however, said that the construction of the dam should take place, and added that religion should not be allowed to come in the way of socio-economic development.

Another legislator said that the construction of the dam as part of the Hangol National Park was violative of the Pakistan Government's commitment to the World Bank and the international community on the issue of environment protection.(ANI)