Tensions Rise Over Shiv Temple Land in Sindh
On June 1, 2025, the Hindu community in Sindh province, Pakistan, took to the streets in Tando Jam town, Musa Khatiyan district, to protest the illegal occupation of land belonging to the historic Shiv Temple Shivala in Hyderabad city. Located about 185 kilometers from Karachi, the century-old temple has become the center of a growing controversy as influential builders, allegedly from the Kashkheli community, have encroached on six acres of sacred land, including a cremation site, and blocked access to the temple. The protests, led by community leaders and supported by the Pakistan Dalit Ittehad, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the Hindu minority in Pakistan in protecting their religious sites.
The Crisis at Shiv Temple Shivala – A Sacred Site Under Threat
The Shiv Temple Shivala in Musa Khatian, a 100-year-old religious site recently renovated by the Sindh Heritage Department, holds immense cultural and spiritual significance for the Hindu community in Hyderabad, Pakistan. However, as reported by community leaders Seetal Meghwar and Ram Sundar, builders have illegally occupied six acres of temple land, initiating construction that includes blocking access roads. This has severely restricted devotees’ ability to perform weekly prayers and rituals, a critical issue given the temple’s role in the community.
Tandojam Press Club
— Shiva Kachhi (دراوڙ)🇵🇰 (@FaqirShiva) June 2, 2025
In protest against the illegal occupation of six acres of land belonging to the ancient #ShivTemple (#Shiwala) in Musa Khatiyan District Hyderabad Sindh by the influential Khaskheli community, members of the Hindu community, led by Nirmal Kumar Meghwar, Sunny… pic.twitter.com/FCWOWgb3Ak
The encroached area also encompasses a cremation ground used for annual ceremonies, adding to the community’s distress. The protests in Tando Jam, involving women and children, were organized by the Pakistan Dalit Ittehad, an advocacy group for Hindu minority rights.
Community Demands Action – A Call for Justice and Protection
The Hindu community in Sindh is demanding immediate government intervention to address the illegal occupation of the Shiv Temple Shivala land. Despite submitting written complaints to the police and district administration, no legal action has been taken, which protesters attribute to the political influence of the Kashkheli community, the alleged encroachers. Shiva Kaachi, head of the Pakistan Dalit Ittehad, has warned that if authorities fail to act, the community will escalate protests to Hyderabad city and pursue legal recourse.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of encroachment and neglect of Hindu religious sites in Pakistan, with similar cases reported across Sindh in recent years. The community’s struggle underscores the need for stronger protection of minority religious sites, a responsibility the Sindh government has yet to fully address.
