On the evening of May 8th, chaos unfolded at the Prerna Peeth Nishkalki Temple in Pirana, Ahmedabad, as it came under attack by an Islamist mob. The disturbing incident, captured in viral videos circulating on social media, depicts several individuals, identifiable by their skull caps, brandishing sticks and iron rods. According to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), the attack appeared to be premeditated, resulting in the vandalism of numerous Hindu deities' idols within the temple premises.
The Prerna Peeth temple in Pirana has been embroiled in a longstanding controversy, with conflicting claims from both the Muslim and Hindu communities. While the Muslim party contends that the site holds significance as a shrine, the Hindu side steadfastly maintains its status as a temple.
What Caused the Unrest?
Rumors of the removal of graves sparked unrest among the local Muslim community, leading to a gathering near the Prerna Peeth temple. Amidst the chaos, an Islamist mob forcibly entered the temple premises, allegedly damaging the walls and launching an attack with wooden sticks and iron rods. Reports indicate that the mob vandalized the sacred site, causing significant damage and escalating tensions in the area.
VHP’s Statement Regarding the Statement
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has asserted that the assault on the Prerna Peeth Nishkalki Temple was not a spontaneous outburst but a premeditated attack. According to the VHP, the assailants deliberately targeted the temple, vandalizing sacred idols of Hindu deities housed within its premises.
Police Action on the Matter
In the aftermath of the disturbing incident at the Prerna Peeth Nishkalki Temple in Pirana, swift action was taken by the Ahmedabad rural district police. Responding promptly to the situation, law enforcement personnel, including the Special Operations Group (SOG) and Local Crime Branch (LCB), swiftly arrived at the scene to restore order and ensure the safety of the area. The authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the matter to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
Previous Attacks on Hindu Temples by Islamists
Attack on Baba Bodheshwar temple in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh
In a startling turn of events at the historic Baba Bodheshwar Mahadev temple in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, chaos ensued on September 29, 2023, when an attacker identified as Javed unleashed violence upon unsuspecting devotees. Armed with a lathi, he launched a sudden assault during the auspicious occasion of Bhadrapad Purnima, catching worshippers off guard as they gathered to offer prayers to the revered Shivling. The brazen attack left eight worshippers injured, including Milan Singh, Kailash Singh, and retired revenue officer Krishna Kumar Tiwari.
Attacks on temples during the Nuh violence in Mewat, Haryana
On July 31, 2023, a harrowing scene unfolded in Nuh, Mewat, Haryana, as an Islamic mob launched a violent assault on Hindu pilgrims participating in the Jalabhishek Yatra. The riotous mob targeted the sacred Nalhad Mahadev temple, plunging the atmosphere into chaos and endangering the lives of numerous Hindu devotees who found themselves trapped in a hostile situation for an extended period. Shockingly, the aggression extended to other places of worship, including the Shringar Temple, located just 45 minutes away from the Nalhad temple, and the revered Baba Gorakhnath Kali temple of Nuh.
Temple desecration in Muzaffarpur
In a shocking incident on April 22, 2023, Mohammed Moiuddin created uproar in Muzaffarpur's Kalyani Chowk, known for its cluster of temples. Brazenly disregarding the sanctity of the Hanuman Temple, Moiuddin entered wearing shoes and proceeded to stand before the idol with his pyjamas open. When the priest intervened, Moiuddin resorted to violence, assaulting the priest before repeating his sacrilegious actions at another temple dedicated to the Goddess. His audacious behavior escalated further as he desecrated yet another nearby temple by urinating within its premises. Amidst the chaos, Moiuddin's chants of Islamic slogans added to the gravity of the situation, prompting the alarmed crowd to rush to the scene and intervene.
Attacks on Hindu Temples Abroad
On October 15th, 2023, the serene atmosphere of the Kali Maa Temple in Carli Bay was shattered by an appalling act of desecration. Reports flooded in, detailing the heinous act: acid had been callously poured on the temple floor and the sacred murti of Kali Maa. This sacrilegious assault on a place of worship left the Hindu community reeling in shock and disbelief.
Sadly, this was not an isolated incident. In the same month, the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) D’Abadie Maha Vishnu Mandir on Mausica Road fell victim to vandalism. The sanctity of the temple was violated, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath of yet another brazen attack.
However, the wave of violence against Hindus and their places of worship did not stop there. In a disturbing display of hostility, stones were hurled at the Pranavananda Ashram at Temple Street off Beaucarro Road in Freeport during the sacred Kanya Kumari pooja ceremony, a highlight of the Navratri festival. Witnesses recounted how youths, from the temple’s rooftop, launched objects with malicious intent, causing damage and chaos. Adding insult to injury, five vehicles parked nearby bore the brunt of the attackers' fury.
The atrocities unleashed upon the Hindu community ignited widespread outrage in Trinidad and Tobago. Opposition MP Indra Singh minced no words, condemning the incidents as the “latest anti-Hindu attacks in South Couva.” Just days earlier, the Tarouba Recreation Grounds, a cherished site for the Ramleela production, fell prey to vandalism. Tents were pillaged, and props intended for the religious performance were wantonly destroyed, further deepening the sense of despair among devotees.
These disturbing events underscored a troubling pattern of targeted violence against Hindus. The Williamsville Hindu temple had suffered a similar fate in September of the previous year, amplifying concerns about the safety and security of places of worship and the community at large.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent spate of attacks on Hindu temples, both domestically and abroad, paints a grim picture of religious intolerance and bigotry. The desecration and vandalism inflicted upon these sacred places of worship are not isolated incidents but rather emblematic of a broader agenda fueled by radicalism and hatred. From the heart of India to distant shores, the pattern of targeted violence against Hindus by Islamists is deeply troubling. These assaults on Hindu temples are not merely acts of vandalism but manifestations of a dark strategy aimed at instilling fear and asserting dominance. Just as their ancestors, the Mughals, displayed a disdain for Hindu culture and heritage, modern-day Islamists continue to harbor a deep-seated animosity towards Hindus. It is imperative that such acts of religious intolerance be unequivocally condemned and perpetrators be held accountable to uphold the principles of religious freedom and pluralism.
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