edited by: Shankhneel Sarkar
Last Update: January 20, 2023, 15:32 IST
The Shri Shiv Vishnu Temple in Carrom Downs, Australia was targeted by unidentified miscreants who ransacked the temple (Picture: HINDU SOCIETY OF VICTORIA SHRI SHIVA VISHNU TEMPLE)
Envoy Barry O’Farrell condemned the incident and said that freedom of expression does not include hate speech or violence.
to the Australian High Commissioner India Barry O’Farrell on Friday condemned the vandalism of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the authorities in Australia were shocked when the developments were brought to their notice.
Like 🇮🇳, 🇦🇺 is a proud, multicultural country. We are shocked by the vandalism of two Hindu temples in Melbourne and the Australian authorities are investigating. Our strong support for freedom of expression does not include hate speech or violence. @DrSJaishankar @MEAIndia-Barry O’Farrell AO (@AusHCIndia) January 20, 2023
He said an investigation has been launched and added that support for freedom of expression does not mean allowing hate speech or violence.
Farrell said in a tweet: “Like India, Australia is a proud, multicultural country. We are shocked by the vandalism of two Hindu temples in Melbourne and the Australian authorities are investigating. Our strong support for freedom of expression does not include hate speech or violence.”
Earlier this week, the Shri Shiv Vishnu Temple in Carrom Downs, Australia was vandalized with anti-Hindu graffiti.
The act came to light on Monday, January 16, when devotees celebrating the Thai Pongal festival visited the temple and found anti-Hindu graffiti sprayed on the temple walls.
Before this incident, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir in Australia’s Mill Park was smeared with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti.
Both these incidents have raised concerns among Hindus living in Australia.
The Union Ministry of External Affairs said that the Australian Government was made aware of the incidents and has responded by saying that an investigation has been launched to trace the perpetrators.
“We know that temples were vandalized in Australia. We condemn these incidents. If I remember correctly, these two are actually in Victoria, near Melbourne. These actions have been publicly condemned by Australian leaders, community leaders and religious organizations there,” said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Union Ministry of External Affairs.
“Our Consulate General in Australia has taken up the matter with the local police. We have requested for prompt investigation action against the culprits and measures to prevent such incidents in future. The matter has also been taken up with the Australian Government both in Canberra and New Delhi,” Bagchi added.
The Khalistani separatist movement and its associated elements have turned their attention to Australia in an attempt to sabotage relations between the two countries. It has also made similar efforts and tried to create tension between India and Canada and India and Britain.
A car rally was held in Melbourne to garner support for a Khalistan referendum but failed in its objective as the referendum rally was heavily outnumbered by separatists.
(With inputs from ANI)
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