Last Update: January 13, 2023, 6:06 pm IST
Temple in Melbourne. (Website)
Government sources said India has raised strong objections with local authorities, adding that they have asked them to launch an investigation and arrest the Khalistani group behind the incident.
A BAPS Swaminarayan temple located in the northern suburb of Mill Park, Melbourne, Australia, was defaced with graffiti on 12 January. India and PM Modi, according to temple officials.
Government sources said India has raised strong objections with local authorities, adding that they have asked them to launch an investigation and arrest the Khalistani group behind the incident.
“Hindus live peacefully in Melbourne, but some groups are trying to create tension between the authorities and the community. Melbourne authorities should look into this otherwise these groups will spread here like in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada,” said government sources.
Liberal MP for the Northern Metropolitan Region Evan Mulholland tweeted, “Thinking of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple community after the vandalism at the Mill Park temple today. This vandalism is devastating to the peaceful Hindu community of Victoria, especially at this holy time.” I am extremely distressed.
Thinking of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir community after the vandalism at Mill Park temple today. as I said @TheAusToday “This vandalism is very sad for the peaceful Hindu community of Victoria, especially at this holy time.” https://t.co/5rMUKSjwkb— Evan Mulholland MP (@evmulholland) January 12, 2023
Meanwhile, BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Australia appealed for calm in a statement saying they were deeply saddened by the incident. “We are deeply saddened by the anti-India graffiti on the entrance of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park, Melbourne, Australia by anti-social elements. The BAPS temple at Mill Park, like all BAPS temples across the world, is an abode of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service and universal Hindu values,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
“…the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha has prayed for peace and unity and appealed to all devotees and well-wishers to maintain peace,” the statement said.
“We are grateful for their continued support of the appropriate authorities, including the governments of Australia and India, as well as local community organisations. BAPS temples across Australia are symbols of a thriving multicultural society that cherishes the Australian values of respect, friendship and tolerance.”
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of Australia condemned the attack in a statement. “This attack is an exact copy of what happened in Toronto…” it said.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is a spiritual, volunteer-driven faith dedicated to improving society through personal growth by promoting Hindu ideals of faith, unity and selfless service.
with PTI inputs
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