New Delhi: External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday (January 19) issued a statement on the vandalism of a Hindu temple – the Sri Shiv Vishnu Temple in Carrom Downs, Australia, as well as other similar incidents in the recent past. He said the Ministry of External Affairs has taken cognizance of such incidents and “strongly condemned” them. The Consulate General of India in Melbourne has taken up the matter with the local police of Carrom Downs, they further informed the public. Bagchi also said that he has requested “speedy investigation against the perpetrators and measures to prevent such incidents in future.”
‘Strongly condemn these actions’: Ministry of External Affairs
As quoted by ANI, Bagchi said, “We are aware that some temples have been vandalized in Australia recently. We strongly condemn these acts. These acts have been publicly addressed by Australian leaders, community leaders and religious leaders.” Organizations have also condemned.”
We know that some temples have been vandalized in Australia recently. We strongly condemn these activities. These actions have been publicly condemned by Australian leaders, community leaders and religious organizations as well: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi pic.twitter.com/qXyCgQbSZs– ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2023
Khalistan supporters vandalized the Hindu temple
The Shri Shiv Vishnu temple was allegedly vandalized by Khalistan supporters on 15 January and the act was noticed the next day on 16 January when devotees thronged the temple to celebrate the three-day festival of ‘Thai Pongal’ Was given
Second Hindu temple vandalized in Australia within a week. Somebody is asking why is this happening now? Hindu temples abroad have never been targeted before. pic.twitter.com/WS7qyAKdse– Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 17, 2023
The shocking thing is that a week before the Shiv Vishnu temple incident, another temple was vandalised. It was the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Mill Park, Australia. It was reportedly covered in anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti.
The Hindu community is deeply troubled by the recent vandalism
Makarand Bhagwat, president of the Victoria chapter of the Hindu Council of Australia, was quoted by The Australia Today as saying: “I cannot tell you how upset I am that another Hindu temple has been destroyed to promote Khalistan.”
Sachin Mahte, a member of the Melbourne Hindu community, said: “If these Khalistan supporters have the guts, they should be graffitiing the Victorian Parliament House instead of targeting religious places of the peaceful Hindu community.”
Australia Today quoted Patel as saying, “When I reached the temple this morning, all the walls were painted with graffiti of Khalistani hatred towards Hindus.”
“I am angered, horrified and dismayed by the open display of religious hatred towards a peaceful Hindu community by Khalistan supporters,” he said.
(with agency inputs)