Vandalism and Offensive Graffiti at BAPS Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California. India Condemns the Act and Demands Strict Action.
US Hindu Temple Vandalized: Attacks on Hindu temples in the United States continue unabated. The latest incident occurred in Chino Hills, California, where the BAPS Hindu Temple was vandalized, and offensive graffiti was scrawled on its walls. This event has sparked outrage within the Indian community. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has bly condemned the attack and demanded strict action.
Ministry of External Affairs Statement: We Will Not Tolerate This Barbarity
India has responded bly to the attack. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "We bly condemn the vandalism at the Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California." The Ministry has appealed to the US administration to arrest the perpetrators swiftly and enhance the security of places of worship.
Increasing Attacks on Hindu Temples in the US
This is not the first instance of Hindu temples being targeted in the US. Several temples have been attacked previously, with idols damaged and anti-Hindu slogans painted. Numerous incidents of vandalism and theft have been reported at various temples in recent years.
Some Recent Major Attacks:
August 3, 2022 – Shri Tulsi Mandir, Queens, New York
August 16, 2022 – Shri Tulsi Mandir, New York
October 30, 2023 – Hari Om Radha Krishna Temple, Sacramento
December 23, 2023 – SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, California
January 1, 2024 – Shiv Durga Temple, Santa Clara
January 5, 2024 – Shri Asht Lakshmi Temple, Fremont
January 11, 2024 – Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Dublin
September 17, 2024 – BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple, Melville
September 25, 2024 – BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Sacramento
Anti-Hindu and Anti-India Slogans Written on Walls
The attackers not only damaged the temple but also wrote anti-Hindu and anti-India slogans on the walls. These included slogans such as "Hindus go back" and inflammatory messages against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This attack is not merely an act of vandalism against a religious site; it is also fostering fear and insecurity within the Hindu community.
Demand for Increased Security at Places of Worship
Following this incident, the Indian community and several organizations have demanded that the US administration enhance the security of Hindu temples. The Indian government has also urged the US to ensure that such incidents do not recur and that the perpetrators face stringent punishment.
