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The Consulate General of India in New York has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple located in Melville, New York. The incident, which occurred between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, involved the spray-painting of derogatory anti-Hindu messages on the temple's driveway and signage. The consulate has raised the issue with U.S. law enforcement authorities, urging prompt action against the perpetrators of this "heinous act."
The Consulate General of India in New York has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple located in Melville, New York. The incident, which occurred between Sunday evening and early Monday morning, involved the spray-painting of derogatory anti-Hindu messages on the temple’s driveway and signage. The consulate has raised the issue with U.S. law enforcement authorities, urging prompt action against the perpetrators of this “heinous act.”
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the consulate expressed its outrage, stating, “The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable. The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators.” This condemnation reflects a growing concern over attacks on religious institutions.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha also expressed its deep sadness over the desecration, noting that similar incidents have occurred at various Hindu temples across North America. In their statement, they emphasized the importance of peace and respect among all communities, stating, “We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace amongst all communities. Peace, respect, and harmony for all regardless of background or faith are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States.”
Community members gathered at the temple to offer prayers for unity and peace, receiving support from local, state, and federal leaders representing Long Island. Among those present was U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi, who called the vandalism “hideous” and attributed such acts to inflammatory rhetoric and extremism. He stated that these actions contradict American values and urged accountability.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called on the U.S. Justice Department to investigate this attack as a hate crime. They highlighted that this incident coincides with a planned large gathering of the Indian community in nearby Nassau County. HAF also pointed out that Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had recently threatened Hindu and Indian institutions in a video shared online.
This vandalism incident is part of a troubling trend; similar attacks have occurred at Hindu temples in California and Canada. Earlier this year, a BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Edmonton was defaced with anti-India graffiti. Such acts have raised alarms about rising hate crimes against Hindu institutions.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has expressed concern over these recurring incidents, emphasizing that a lack of action against perpetrators emboldens criminal elements. They have called for justice to be served to uphold the rule of law and respect for pluralism.
As investigations continue into this latest act of vandalism, community leaders and organizations are advocating for greater protection of religious institutions to prevent future incidents and ensure that places of worship remain safe havens for all believers.
