Before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s US visit, a case of vandalism and anti-India slogans written in BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York has come to light. The incident is of Melville. India has expressed strong objection in this matter and condemned this incident. India has also taken up the matter with US law enforcement officials for prompt action against the perpetrators of the heinous act. At the same time, BAPS has also issued a statement and appealed for peace.
The Indian Consulate in New York has issued a statement and expressed objection. India said it is in touch with the local community and has raised the issue with US law enforcement officials to ensure immediate action against those responsible for this heinous act.
Let us tell you that Melville is a city in Suffolk County on Long Island which is about 28 kilometers away from Naso Veteran Memorial Coliseum. At this same place, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a big community event on 22 September. PM Modi is reaching America on 21, 22 and 23 September.
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People are in touch with the Indian Embassy
Indian Mission wrote on Twitter, ‘The vandalism of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York is unacceptable. The Indian Consulate in New York is in touch with the community and has taken up the matter with US law enforcement officials for immediate action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.
BAPS expressed grief over the incident…
On the vandalism, BAPS said, we are sad that once again we have to appeal for peace in the face of hatred and intolerance. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York was vandalized with hate messages last night. Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident. Similar incidents of desecration have occurred in various Hindu temples in North America. We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace among all communities. We also want to ask those who committed this crime to let go of their hatred and see our common humanity.
The BAPS Temple in Melville, near New York, like all BAPS temples around the world, symbolizes peace, harmony, equality, selfless service and universal Hindu values. On receiving information about the incident, local officials were called. BAPS is working fully with the authorities in the investigation of this crime.
BAPS said, members of our community gathered today to pray for peace and unity. It has received support from local, state and federal leaders representing Long Island.
Hindu organizations condemned the attack
Meanwhile, the Hindu-American organization also condemned the attack and demanded an investigation by the US government. The organization calls on the Department of Justice and DHS to investigate the attack on the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville and recent threats to Hindu organizations, as reported by News Beat. Also, this weekend a large number of people from the Indian community have planned to unite in Naso County.
Several videos shared on social media showed abuses being distorted on the road and on signage outside the temple. Despite the incident, the temple plans to go ahead with its scheduled prayer service this afternoon.
Responding to the incident, Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, said the attack should be seen in the context of the threat landscape. He wrote on Twitter, “Those who attacked a Hindu temple to spread hatred for an elected leader are It is difficult to understand the cowardice of this attack. This attack should be seen in the context of the threat to Hindu and Indian institutions.