Attempts To Sow Hatred Among Indian-Australian Community: Indian High Commission On Vandalisation Of Hindu Temples

Incidents of vandalising Hindu temples at various places in Australia with anti-India slogans were reported after which the Indian High Commission condemned the incidents in a statement.

New Delhi: The Indian High Commission in Australia condemned the incidents of vandalisation of Hindu temples at various places in Australia. “High Commission strongly condemns the deeply disturbing incidents of vandalisation, including of three Hindu temples in Melbourne in recent weeks,” the High Commission said in a statement. 

“These are clear attempts to sow hatred and division among peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community,” it added. 

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Melbourne last week, allegedly by Khalistani supporters, with anti-India slogans like "Hindustan Murdabad'', and "Khalistan Zindabad." As per a tweet, an Iskcon temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park was defaced with hateful slogans as seen in previous two instances. The third incident comes even as Australia assured an investigation into the matter.

In its statement, the High Commission flagged activities by proscribed groups like Sikh for Justice and others. 

“Signals that pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided and abetted by members of proscribed terrorist orgs such as the SFJ and other inimical agencies from outside Australia, have been evident for some time,” it said. 

The High Commission said “concerns have repeatedly been shared with the Australian Government. In addition, our concerns about the so-called referendum in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, announced by the SFJ, have been conveyed to the Australian Government.” 

Previously, defacing of Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs with pro-Khalistan slogans was reported which was within a week of anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti on the walls of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park.

Reacting to the incidents, Australia’s High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell on Friday expressed shock and said that the matter is under investigation. "Our strong support for freedom of expression does not include hate speech or violence," he wrote.