New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) On Friday, India expressed its concern regarding reports indicating damage to the conservation facilities at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihar amidst the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The Indian government emphasized that any harm to the cultural heritage in this region is both unfortunate and a serious matter of concern.

India urged both Thailand and Cambodia to practice restraint and take steps towards ceasing hostilities. They also expressed hope that all necessary actions will be adopted to protect the site and its related conservation facilities.

Responding to queries about the damage at Preah Vihear, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) remarked, "We have noted reports concerning the damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear due to the continuing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. Such damage to conservation facilities is regrettable and a significant concern. The Preah Vihear temple is a shared cultural asset of humanity, and India has actively participated in its preservation efforts."

"We earnestly hope that all precautions will be taken to ensure the complete safety of the site and its conservation facilities. We reiterate our call for both parties to maintain restraint and to work towards ending hostilities and preventing further escalation. We encourage a return to dialogue and peace," he added.

Perched on a plateau that commands the surrounding Cambodian plains, the Temple of Preah Vihear is devoted to Lord Shiva. According to UNESCO, this temple consists of a series of sanctuaries interconnected by pavements and staircases spread over an 800-meter long axis, dating back to the first half of the 11th century AD.

India's apprehensions emerged following a resurgence of border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia on Sunday, with both nations accusing each other of initiating the conflict and confirming casualties.

On Thursday, a Cambodian Defense spokesperson reported that at least 10 Cambodian civilians lost their lives, and 60 others sustained injuries during the latest phase of the border conflict with Thailand, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

"The casualties included ten civilian deaths, one of whom was an infant, alongside 60 civilian injuries," stated Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, the Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Cambodian Defense Ministry, during a press briefing.

Additionally, Cambodia's Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that over 56,000 families, amounting to 190,000 individuals, have evacuated their homes seeking safety.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Thai Defense Ministry, Surasant Kongsiri, reported on Thursday that nine Thai soldiers had been killed, and over 120 others injured due to the ongoing border skirmishes with Cambodia. Nearly 200,000 Thai civilians have taken refuge in camps as a result of the clashes. Surasant confirmed that three refugees have been reported dead, and 849 refugee camps have been established thus far.