Indian Consulate Condemns Vandalism at BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York
The Consulate General of India in New York has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, calling it ‘unacceptable.’ The Consulate has raised the issue with US law enforcement authorities and urged them to take prompt action against those responsible.
In a post on X, the Consulate General stated, ‘The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable. The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.’
Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation has called on the US Justice Department to investigate the attack. They noted that the incident follows recent threats to Hindu institutions by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had posted a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions.
The Foundation also mentioned that this vandalism is similar to previous attacks on temples in California and Canada. Earlier in July, the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton, Canada, was vandalized, prompting Canadian MP Chandra Arya to express deep concern over the rising incidents of hate-fueled violence against Hindu-Canadian communities.
Doubts Revealed
Consulate General of India -: The Consulate General of India is like an office in another country that helps Indian people living there. They also work to keep good relations between India and that country.
vandalism -: Vandalism means damaging or destroying property on purpose. In this case, it means someone damaged the temple.
BAPS Swaminarayan Temple -: BAPS Swaminarayan Temple is a place where people who follow the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism go to pray and worship.
Hindu American Foundation -: The Hindu American Foundation is a group that works to protect the rights and interests of Hindu people in America.
US Justice Department -: The US Justice Department is a part of the US government that makes sure laws are followed and investigates crimes.
Khalistani terrorist -: A Khalistani terrorist is someone who uses violence to try to create a separate country for Sikhs called Khalistan. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is one such person.