India Strongly Condemns Vandalism of Hindu Temple in US by Khalistani Extremists

India has strongly condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in California by Khalistani extremists, urging local law enforcement to take strict action against those responsible.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "We have seen reports of vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We denounce these deplorable acts in the strongest terms and urge local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against the perpetrators while ensuring adequate security for places of worship."

A BAPS Hindu Temple located in California's Chino Hills was vandalised by Khalistani extremists. (Photo: X/@BAPS_PubAffairs)

The statement follows the defacement of a BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, with inflammatory messages by extremists ahead of a so-called 'Khalistani referendum' in Los Angeles.

In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs mentioned, "In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail."

Khalistani extremists have repeatedly targeted Hindu temples abroad. In September last year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalized by extremists.

Similar incidents have occurred in Canada and Australia. In November 2024, the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton, Canada, was attacked by individuals carrying pro-Khalistani flags, sparking clashes with devotees. This was part of a broader pattern of attacks on Hindu temples in Canada, including the defacement of a temple in Windsor with anti-India graffiti and previous acts of vandalism in Mississauga and Brampton.

In January 2023, three Hindu temples in Australia—the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melbourne, the Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, and the ISKCON Temple in Melbourne—were defaced with anti-Hindu graffiti by individuals linked to Khalistani extremist groups. In March 2023, the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was similarly vandalized, with anti-Hindu graffiti suspected to be an attempt to intimidate the Hindu community. The act was attributed to members of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), a group led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government.

Attacks Targeting Hindu Temples

This is not the first instance of a Hindu place of worship being attacked.

On August 3 and August 16, 2022, the Shri Tulsi Mandir in Queens, New York, was vandalized. Similarly, on October 30, 2023, the Hari Om Radha Krishna Mandir in Sacramento was targeted, followed by the desecration of the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Newark, California, on December 23, 2023.

At the start of 2024, a series of similar incidents occurred. On January 1, the Shiv Durga Temple in Santa Clara was defaced. Just days later, on January 5, both the Shree Ashta Lakshmi Temple in Fremont and Vijay’s Sherawali Temple in Hayward were attacked.

On January 11, 2024, the Sri Panchamukha Hanuman Temple in Dublin, California, was vandalized. More recently, on September 17, 2024, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was targeted, followed by another attack on the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on September 25.

(This Article was originally published by Business Standard)