India Condemns Vandalism at California’s Hindu Temple, Urges Investigation
In a deplorable incident that has sparked outrage, a Hindu temple in California was vandalized, prompting strong condemnation from the Indian government. The Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha temple in Newark, California, fell victim to hateful graffiti on December 20, 2023. The vandalism included anti-India and pro-Khalistan slogans, causing distress among the local Indian-American community.
The Indian Consulate General in San Francisco issued a statement condemning the act, describing it as a 'despicable' attack on the place of worship. The Consulate has urged the U.S. authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of religious institutions and the broader issue of hate crimes against religious minorities.
In response, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has called on Kash Patel, a former official in the Trump administration, to investigate the vandalism. CoHNA, which advocates for Hindu rights, emphasized the need for swift action to prevent further attacks on Hindu temples across the U.S. The organization highlighted the growing trend of such incidents, which they believe are often motivated by extremist ideologies.
The local police in Newark are currently investigating the case, but no arrests have been made yet. The incident has also prompted discussions about the need for increased security measures at religious sites and better community engagement to prevent such acts of vandalism in the future.
