California: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, located in Chino Hills, California, was vandalised with "Anti-India" messages written on it on Sunday.
The official page of BAPS for the United States shared the details of the incident on the social media platform X, saying that they will "never let hate take root" and peace and compassion shall prevail.
In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs wrote, "In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands 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."
Meanwhile, the Chino Hills Police Department has not publicly commented on the incident.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has strongly condemned the act, highlighting the alarming rise in anti-Hindu hate incidents. The organisation has also drawn attention to the suspicious timing of the vandalism, suggesting a possible link to the upcoming Khalistan referendum.
The 'anti-Hindu' messages included phrases such as 'Hindus go back,' alarming the local Hindu community. The BAPS community has responded with resilience, affirming their commitment to standing united against hate.
"Another Hindu temple vandalised—this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It's just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called "Khalistan referendum" in LA draws close."
The post also highlighted a series of temple vandalism cases from 2022 onwards, urging authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into these hate crimes.
CoHNA is a grassroots advocacy organisation committed to promoting a deeper understanding of Hinduism in North America while also addressing issues that affect the Hindu community.
Last year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was targeted by vandals, suffering damage on the night of September 25.
The Sacramento temple vandalism occurred less than 10 days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York.
(inputs from IANS)