Washington: Once again, a Hindu temple has been attacked in America. This time the Shri Swaminarayan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southern California, was desecrated, and anti-India slogans were written on its walls. This incident has once again raised serious concerns about the safety of the Hindu community in America. This is the second such incident in the last few months, targeting Hindu places of worship. The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple management has confirmed the incident and stated that hatred against the Hindu community will not be tolerated.
Temple Management Condemns the Attack
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple management expressed deep concern over the attack and issued a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The management wrote, "This time in Chino Hills, California, the Hindu community stands firmly against hatred in the face of the desecration of another temple. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never allow hatred to take root."
The management further added that despite such hate attacks, the Hindu community will continue to spread peace and harmony. They emphasized that shared humanity and faith will ensure that hatred can never overpower love and unity.
Police Yet to Release Official Statement
As of now, the Chino Hills Police Department has not issued any official statement regarding the vandalism of the temple. However, Hindu organizations and the local community have demanded a strict investigation into the matter and strict action against the culprits involved in the hate crime.
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also strongly condemned the attack and posted on X, "Another Hindu temple was vandalized. This time at the iconic BAPS Mandir in Chino Hills, California. It is another day in the world where media and academia will insist that there is no anti-Hindu hate, and Hinduphobia is just a figment of our imagination."
The Hindu community has expressed concern over the rising number of attacks on Hindu temples in the United States and demanded strict measures to ensure the protection of their religious places.
Possible Connection to Khalistani Extremists
The Hindu organization further raised concerns about a possible connection between the temple attack and Khalistani extremists. CoHNA stated that this vandalism happened just a few days before the so-called Khalistan referendum scheduled to take place in Los Angeles. The organization expressed its suspicion by posting, "It is not surprising that this happened when the day of the so-called Khalistan referendum in Los Angeles is approaching."
The Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a separate Sikh state (Khalistan) in India, has been associated with several anti-India protests in Western countries, including America, Canada, and the UK. There have been several incidents in the past where Khalistani extremists have targeted Hindu temples to spread hatred against the Hindu community.
Rising Attacks on Hindu Temples in America
The attack on the BAPS temple in Chino Hills is not an isolated incident. In the last few months, there has been a surge in attacks on Hindu temples in America. On September 25, 2024, the Sri Swaminarayan Temple in Sacramento, California, was vandalized. Similarly, just a few days before that, the BAPS temple in New York was also targeted.
The Hindu community in America has expressed grave concern over the increasing hate crimes against their religious places. Many have alleged that such acts of vandalism are being carried out by Khalistani extremists who are trying to spread communal disharmony. However, there has been no official confirmation of the involvement of Khalistani groups in the latest attack.
Hindu Community Demands Strict Action
Following the latest attack, the Hindu community in America has demanded that the US government take strict action against the perpetrators and ensure the safety of Hindu temples. The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple management has reiterated that such acts of hate will never succeed in dividing the community and that they will continue to promote peace, love, and unity.
Meanwhile, the local police are investigating the matter, and the Indian Embassy in America has also expressed concern over the incident and sought a detailed report from the US government.
