look news india
A few days ago, the government of Pakistan’s Punjab province had made a big announcement of changing the names of some historical squares and intersections of Lahore to their old Hindu names. After this decision, Maryam Nawaz government was greatly appreciated at the international level and it was considered a positive step towards minorities. But now Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has completely surrendered to the huge opposition and pressure from fundamentalists and conservative organizations of her own country. The Punjab government has suddenly withdrawn its progressive decision of changing the names of intersections, which once again clearly shows the victory of fundamentalism in Pakistan.
It was announced to name ‘Krishna Nagar’ and ‘Jain Mandir’ Chowk.
According to recent reports, the Lahore district administration had planned to restore the names of two very prominent and historical areas of the city to their original form:
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Krishna Nagar: The area of Lahore currently called ‘Islampura’ was renamed back to its old historical name. ‘Krishna Nagar’ There was an official announcement to keep it.
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Jain Mandir Chowk: The intersection which was renamed ‘Babri Masjid Chowk’ after Partition, will again be given its old and original name. ‘Jain Mandir Chowk’ It was said to give.
As the administrative process in this regard progressed, local fundamentalist groups opened a front against the government and started massive protests, calling it against Islam.
Pakistani official confirmed to postpone the decision
The Maryam Nawaz government, which came on the back foot due to the fear of increasing controversy and deteriorating law and order, has now quietly put this plan on hold. A senior Pakistani administration official has officially confirmed that for the time being the intention to keep the old (Hindu) names of these areas and intersections has been completely shelved. According to the official, in view of the serious opposition and political sensitivity arising at the local level, the administration has taken the final decision to retain the existing names (Islampura and Babri Masjid Chowk).
Attempt to erase identity from the pages of history
Before Partition, Lahore was an extremely prosperous cultural centre, with a large Hindu and Sikh population. Names like Krishna Nagar and Jain Temple are symbols of this shared heritage and history. But in the last few decades, the process of changing these historical heritages and names in a planned manner is going on. Experts believe that Maryam Nawaz stepping back under such pressure shows that even today no government in Pakistan can take the risk of angering the fundamentalist forces, even if for this they have to deny the history of their own country.
