BAPS’ Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in California was desecrated with anti-Hindu messages on Wednesday, the second such incident in america previously 10 days. BAPS’ Public Affairs workplace stated its temple in Sacramento was desecrated with a message studying “Hindus, come again.”
“We stand united towards hate with prayers for peace,” the group stated in a publish on X.
Sacramento police stated they have been investigating “an act of vandalism labeled as a hate crime” on the BAPS Hindu Temple in Mather. Police additional claimed the defendants additionally reduce the property’s water traces.
In the meantime, members of the Hindu group gathered on the temple after the incident for a prayer ceremony to advertise “concord.”
“Neighborhood leaders gathered for a heartfelt prayer ceremony on the BAPS temple in Sacramento, California, following the desecration of the temple. Impressed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, we stay dedicated to selling concord and combating intolerance. Collectively we’ll defeat hate,” the group stated whereas posting images on X.
Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera reacted to the incident and known as on individuals to face towards intolerance.
“There isn’t any place for bigotry and non secular hatred in Sacramento County. I strongly condemn this obvious act of vandalism in our group. We should all stand towards bigotry and make sure that all members of our group, no matter religion, really feel protected and revered,” stated Sacramento County Rep. X.
Notably, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, was vandalised earlier this month with hate messages inscribed on the doorway and on the temple signal exterior the gate. The Consulate Basic of India in New York condemned the act, calling it “unacceptable”, following which the matter was additionally raised with the US authorities.
“Sadly, this isn’t an remoted incident. Comparable acts of desecration have occurred at a number of Hindu temples in North America,” BAPS’ Shri Swaminarayan Temple in New York stated in an announcement.
Final yr, a Hindu temple in Newark, California was vandalised. The Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple was vandalised with pro-Khalistani slogans, and the incident attracted worldwide consideration. Exterior Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, whereas reacting to the incident, reiterated that extremists and separatists shouldn’t be given any area.
