The only Hindu temple in Peterborough (Britain) to close down

Peterborough City Council’s decision
Temple site to be handed over to a Muslim organisation

London (Britain) – The only Hindu temple and community centre in the city of Peterborough, Britain, is on the verge of closure after a cabinet decision by the Peterborough City Council. According to sources, the rights to the site may be given to a Muslim organisation. Reportedly, devotees are restless after a second attempt to buy the temple site also failed. The Hindu community has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save the temple.

1. Peterborough City Council’s cabinet met last week and agreed to sell the site to an undisclosed buyer in order to balance the budget. The place has been a major centre for worship, social service and cultural activities for the past 40 years. It is the only Hindu temple within a radius of approximately 60 to 70 km.

2. The community says that about 18,000 Hindu devotees will be affected by this decision. They include senior citizens, children and families. Services like food for senior citizens, cultural education for children and social assistance were provided here, which also saved the Government’s annual expenses.

3. Bharat Hindu Samaj said that they had been in discussions with the council for 14 years and even proposed to buy the centre, but no attention was paid to changing the decision.

4. The Hindu community has alleged that the principles related to equality, minority rights and religious freedom have been ignored. The Hindu community has said that this is not just a question of land or building but a matter of respect, faith and equal rights. The organisation has announced that the struggle will continue through legal and democratic means to protect Hindu temples and right to worship.