Temple walls in California found painted with anti-India, anti-Modi slogans
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The Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, a prominent Hindu temple in California, was found with walls painted with anti-India and anti-Modi slogans, reportedly by pro-Khalistan elements on Friday.
Chintan Pandya, a member of the temple, described the act as "clear vandalism and violence against the Indian community." He expressed concern about the safety of the community, emphasizing that this was the first such incident since the temple's opening almost two years ago.
A special meeting is planned among temple leaders to address the incident and its implications.
The graffiti specifically targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised Khalistan leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. The incident has prompted discussions about the growing Hinduphobia in the region, with the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) calling for urgent action to address the issue.
"Freedom of religion means little when sacred spaces that are meant to be an oasis of peace and calm are vandalized with no consequences," CoHNA stated, highlighting the need for authorities to take swift action.
The organization expressed sadness but not shock, citing a pattern of downplaying or ignoring Hinduphobia in the region by authorities, media, and other groups.
Mihir Meghani, co-founder of the Hindu American Foundation, commented on the incident, noting that those responsible for the vandalism are promoting the idea of a separate state of Khalistan. He emphasized that this stance is not representative of the majority of Americans, Indians, or Hindus.
The incident follows closely on the heels of the US Justice Department unsealing an indictment against an Indian national for his alleged involvement in a foiled plot to kill New York-based Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.