Indian High Commission Condemns Vandalism of Hindu Temples in Australia, Demands Necessary Action

The Indian High Commission in Canberra has condemned the recent vandalism of three Hindu temples in Australia. It called these incidents clear attempts to create hatred and division in the Indian-Australian community. The High Commission urged the Australian government to ensure the safety of members of the Indian community.

Within this month, there have been three incidents of Hindu temples being vandalized in Australia. The Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne was vandalized with anti-India graffiti., and so were the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria, and the ISKCON temple in Melbourne.

The Indian High Commission in Canberra put out a statement that says, “The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which include the glorification of anti-Indian terrorists.” It pointed out that these are attempts to cause hatred and division among the multi-cultural and multi-faith Indian-Australian community.

It added that “pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided and abetted by members of proscribed terrorist organizations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other inimical agencies from outside Australia.” The High Commission also urged the Australian government to ensure the security and safety of the Indian community.

The High Commission is hoping for the perpetrators to be caught and for necessary action to be taken to prevent this from happening in the future.

According to the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, the incidents are under investigation. “Like India, Australia is a proud, multicultural country. We have been shocked at the vandalism of two Hindu temples in Melbourne, & Australian authorities are investigating. Our strong support for freedom of expression does not include hate speech or violence,” said Barry O’Farrell, Australia’s High Commissioner to India.

On January 29, voting for the Australian chapter of the Punjab independence referendum will take place at Federation Square in Melbourne. The ‘Khalistan referendum’ is said to be a significant step towards ‘self-determination’ for millions of Sikhs around the world.

Earlier this month, devotees noticed anti-India graffiti when they came to the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria for ‘darshan’ as part of the three-day-long Thai Pongal festival. At the time, it was alleged that this was the act of Khalistan supporters as signaled by the anti-India graffiti.

Vineet Washington