The Indian authorities issued an announcement on Sunday after stories emerged that the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, considered one of Southern California’s largest Hindu temples, was vandalised with anti-India messages. The federal government strongly condemned the incident and urged native authorities to take strict motion.
Posting on X, ministry of exterior affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned, “We now have seen stories concerning the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts within the strongest phrases. We name upon the native regulation enforcement authorities to take stringent motion in opposition to these answerable for these acts, and likewise guarantee enough safety to locations of worship.”
The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California, was discovered desecrated, sparking widespread condemnation.
Widespread outrage amongst Hindu organisations
The official BAPS web page for the USA shared particulars of the incident on social media platform X, stressing their dedication to standing in opposition to hate and guaranteeing that peace and compassion prevail.
In a publish on X, BAPS Public Affairs said, “Within the face of one other Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu group stand steadfast in opposition to hate. Along with the group in Chino Hills and Southern California, we’ll by no means let hate take root. Our widespread humanity and religion will be sure that peace and compassion prevail.”
The vandalism occurred simply days earlier than a deliberate ‘Khalistan referendum’ occasion in Los Angeles, elevating considerations about growing spiritual tensions.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) shared particulars of the incident on X, saying that the desecration of the enduring BAPS Temple in California occurred forward of the “so-called Khalistan referendum” in Los Angeles.
CoHNA’s publish highlighted earlier instances of temple vandalism from 2022 onwards and referred to as for an investigation into the matter. The group, which advocates for Hindu points in North America, listed 10 temples which were vandalised or burglarised in recent times.
In September, the BAPS Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was defaced with expletive-laden graffiti, together with the phrase “Hindus return!” Practically 10 days earlier, one other BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was equally focused with hateful messages.
The Consulate Basic of India in New York strongly condemned these incidents. The native Hindu group, alarmed by the repeated assaults, reaffirmed its dedication to standing united in opposition to such acts.
