NEW DELHI, Mar 9: The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one of the largest Hindu temples in southern California, labelling it as a “despicable act.”
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California was vandalised with anti-India graffiti on Sunday, making it another such incident in the US in the past few months.
“We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms,” the MEA said in a statement. It further called upon the law enforcement authorities to take strict action against those responsible. “Also ensure adequate security in places of worship,” it added.
The BAPS Public Affairs wing shared information about the incident on X, stating that the temple was desecrated in another show of hate against the Hindu community. It added that the community will never let hate take root.
“In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root,” it said. “Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,” it added.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), an advocacy group focused on addressing issues affecting the Hindu community in North America, also condemned the vandalism incident. “Another Hindu Temple vandalized – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close,” it said.
The Chino Hills Police Department has not yet issued a statement regarding the incident. Notably, a BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California was also vandalised in September last year, with hate messages inscribed on the sign of the temple.
The BAPS Public Affairs said their temple in Sacramento was desecrated with a “Hindus go back” message. “We stand united against hate with prayers for peace,” the organisation said in a post on X.
The Sacramento Police stated that they are investigating an incident of vandalism at the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather as a potential hate crime. They also reported that the suspect had damaged the property’s water lines.
Nearly 10 days before the Sacramento incident, another BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was defaced with hateful messages. The Consulate General of India in New York strongly condemned the incident, calling it “unacceptable,” and subsequently brought the issue to the attention of US authorities.
(Manas Dasgupta)
