New Delhi: India strongly condemned the defacement of a Hindu temple with anti-India and pro-Khalistani graffiti in USA’s Newark city.
Condemning the incident at Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha, the Indian consulate in San Francisco on Saturday said it has hurt sentiments of the Indian community and called for a quick investigation and prompt action against the culprits.
“We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” the consulate wrote in social media platform X.
The Hindu American Foundation earlier shared pictures on social media of anti-India graffiti on the walls of the temple. There were hateful slogans against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Khalistani terrorist Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale’s name was also written.
Insisting that this the incident should be investigated as a ‘hate crime’, Hindu American Foundation wrote: “The mention of the Khalistan terrorist kingpin #Bhindranwale, who targeted Hindus for murder, is specifically meant to traumatize temple goers and create a fear of violence — meeting the CA (California state) definition of a hate crime.”
#Breaking: Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California was defaced with pro-#Khalistan slogans.@NewarkCA_Police and @CivilRights have been informed and full investigation will follow.
We are insisting that this should be investigated as a hate crime. pic.twitter.com/QHeEVWrkDj
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) December 22, 2023
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that “extremist forces” outside India should not be given space.
He added that the Indian Consulate has taken up the matter with US authorities.
“I have seen it. Extremists, separatists, and such forces outside India should not be given space. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police, and an enquiry is underway,” Jaishankar told reporters in New Delhi.
One of the devotees discovered the anti-India graffiti on Friday morning, reported ANI.
Describing the incident a ‘targeted act’, Newark police assured a thorough investigation.
“I can also tell you that as a member of the Newark Police Department and the Newark community, we’re deeply saddened when these types of acts occur, and we think they’re senseless and they have no room. We won’t tolerate them here in Newark. So today, I wanted to make sure that you understand how seriously we take these situations and know that we will investigate as thoroughly as possible with utmost care and sensitivity,” said a police official.
