The Indian Embassy has condemned protestors who defaced a Hindu temple, Newark’s Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha, in California, with pro-Khalistan and anti-India slogans. The Hindu-American Foundation shared the pictures on X.
“We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Newark, California, with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” the Indian Embassy said on social media.
According to reports, the images on several temple walls displayed spiteful slogans directed at India and the nation’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The association said that the messages, erupting with hate, were written to spread fear of violence.
Reports claimed a case had been filed with the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division.
Similar incidents targeting Hindu temples occurred in the past, both in the US and Canada.
Khalistan extremists had threatened to protest inside the Hindu temple. In August this year, two Khalistan supporters vandalised a temple in Canada’s British Columbia with anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti messages.
Earlier, Canada accused India of having a role in the killing of Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. However, Canada hasn’t provided India with evidence for the allegations. Meanwhile, the US arrested an Indian for alleged involvement in a plan to murder Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
India dismissed the allegations, claiming it would investigate if the countries provided evidence.
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