Why Are There Increasing Attacks on Hindu Temples?

Washington, Sep 10 (NationPress) Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has strongly condemned the recent assaults on Hindu temples throughout the United States, asserting that these malicious acts are not standalone events but signify a larger trend of hostility towards places of worship.

While addressing the House of Representatives early on Wednesday (Indian time), Subramanyam remarked, "Hate has no place in our communities, and that's why I condemn the recent hateful attacks on Hindu temples and mandirs all across the country, from the BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Utah."

He emphasized that this is a reflection of an escalating wave of violence and division in the nation, stating that such aggressions extend beyond temples to impact all religious sites.

He added, "Sacred spaces for faith communities have been targeted with acts of hate, vandalism and desecration, and these are not isolated incidents."

Subramanyam further asserted that every American deserves the right to practice their faith without fear.

"That's why we need to continue fighting for increased resources for security at places of worship like these temples, and we must be committed to doing more to combat the rise in hate that we're experiencing in the United States and ensure that our communities are protected. So I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to do that," the Congressman stated.

His comments followed a spate of attacks on Hindu temples across the nation.

In August, the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, was vandalized with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti.

In July, approximately 20 to 30 bullets were fired at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, while devotees were present.

Moreover, on August 28, thieves targeted the temple in Santa Clara, stealing its donation box and various ornaments.

Earlier in March, a temple in Chino Hills, Southern California, was defaced with similar anti-India messages.

In response, US-based advocacy groups Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) and Hindu ACTion commended Subramanyam for his condemnation of these attacks on Hindu temples in the US and the increasing animosity towards American Hindus.

CoHNA remarked, "American Hindus are hurting. When places of worship get attacked, how can a Hindu get spiritual solace, practice rituals and traditions and pray with community? We applaud Congressman Suhas Subramanyam for being the voice of justice and ask more lawmakers to speak up and ask for action."