New Delhi: A Hindu temple in California, Newark’s Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha, has been subjected to a pro-Khalistani attack, with walls defaced by anti-India slogans. Disturbing images of the defacement were shared on X by the Hindu-American Foundation.
#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
The slogans, which included hateful messages against Bharat and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were discovered on several walls of the temple. The Hindu-American Foundation expressed concern that these hateful messages aimed to instill fear and create a sense of violence among temple visitors.
A formal case has been filed with the Newark Police Department and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. The Indian Consulate in San Francisco strongly condemned the defacement of Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha and has urged US authorities for a swift investigation and prompt action against the perpetrators.
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…
— India in SF (@CGISFO) December 23, 2023
This incident is not isolated, as Hindu temples have faced similar attacks in the past, both in the United States and neighbouring Canada. Bharat has previously voiced apprehension over rising activities by Khalistan supporters and has taken measures to counter organizations and individuals attempting to fuel separatist sentiments in various countries.
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