India Urges Stronger Protection for Places of Worship Following Hindu Temple Vandalism in the US
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Synopsis
India has condemned the recent vandalism of a Hindu temple in California, urging local authorities to take stringent actions and ensure security for places of worship. The incident, involving anti-India messages, has raised concerns within the Hindu community, with calls for unity and peace in response to hate.
Key Takeaways
- India condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in California.
- Local law enforcement is urged to increase security for places of worship.
- The incident involved anti-India messages.
- Community leaders emphasize unity and compassion in the face of hate.
- Calls for investigation into recent temple vandalism incidents.
New Delhi, March 9 (NationPress) India has strongly denounced the vandalism at a Hindu temple in California, USA, urging law enforcement agencies to take decisive action against the perpetrators. Calling such acts "abhorrent," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Sunday that local authorities must ensure sufficient security for places of worship.
In response to inquiries from the media regarding the vandalism at a Hindu Temple in California, Jaiswal remarked, "We have received reports concerning the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We denounce such abhorrent acts in the strongest possible terms. We call upon local law enforcement to take rigorous action against those accountable for these actions and to ensure sufficient security for places of worship."
A BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, noted as one of the largest Hindu temples, situated in Chino Hills, California, was defaced with anti-India slogans.
The official page of BAPS for the United States shared details of the incident on the social media platform X, affirming that they will "never allow hate to take root" and that peace and compassion must prevail.
In their post on X, BAPS Public Affairs stated, "In the face of yet another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands firm against hate. Alongside the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never permit hate to take hold. Our shared humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion triumph."
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also publicized the incident on X, indicating that the desecration of the revered BAPS Temple in California occurs just before the "so-called Khalistan referendum" in Los Angeles.
The 'anti-Hindu' slogans included phrases such as 'Hindus go back,' raising concerns within the local Hindu community.
In reaction, the community voiced their commitment to unity. "Another Hindu Temple vandalized - this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s merely another day in a world where media and academics will assert that there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a figment of our imagination. It’s not surprising this occurs as the day for the so-called "Khalistan referendum" in LA approaches."
The post referenced other recent acts of vandalism against temples from 2022 onwards and called for an inquiry into the incident.
The latest event took place less than ten days after a similar occurrence at the BAPS Mandir in New York.
