Attempts to sow hatred: India on vandalisation of temples in Australia
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New Delhi: The Indian high commission in Canberra on Thursday said impunity with which the vandalisation of Hindu temples happening in Australia is “alarming”.
India’s reaction comes after reports of vandalisation of three Hindu temples in Melbourne in recent weeks, according to The Hindustan Times.
Reports on Monday said a third Hindu temple was smeared with anti-India graffiti allegedly by ‘Khalistani supporters” within a fortnight in Victoria state.
The walls of the Hare Krishna Temple, also called the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Albert Park here, were smeared with graffiti “Hindustan Murdabad”, The Australia Today reported.
The high commission accused pro-Khalistan elements of stepping up their activities, aided and abetted by proscribed terrorist outifts like the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other agencies outside Australia.
“These incidents are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community,” the high commission reportedly stated.
The high commission raised its concerns about the ‘referendum’ in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, announced by the proscribed organisation, the Sikhs for Justice.
“It has been highlighted to the Australian Government to ensure the safety and security of members of the Indian community and their properties in Australia, and to not allow the use of Australian territory for activities detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and national interest of India,” the statement read.
The two temples were to be vandalised in recent weeks include the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria and the Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne.