US lawmaker Tom Souzzi on Thursday condemned the desecration of BAPS Hindu Temple in Melville, New York saying people need to treat each other with more respect. The building of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York's Melville was defaced with messages of hatred on Sunday.
BAPS said that similar incidents took place at various Hindu temples across North America.
Condemning the incident, US Congressman Tom Suozzi said " ...We really need to recognise that with all of our fellow human beings, that we are all special made in God's image, we need to treat each other with more respect."
"What's happening that we see this...bigotry and hate happening so often is because of the inflammation rhetoric...is because of extremism and lack of accountability...hate is not the answer but love is...in the short term...we need to hold those who commit hate crimes accountable, we need law enforcement," he added.
Following the desecration incident, the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha issued a press release stating that they offered prayers for those who committed this crime to be released of their hatred and see common humanity, as per an ANI report.
"Today, on September 16, 2024, we are saddened that we must once again appeal for peace in the face of hate and intolerance. Last night, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was desecrated with messages of hatred. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu Mandirs across North America," stated the press release.
The Consulate General of India in New York also condemned the desecration calling it "unacceptable". "The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable," it said in a post on X.
It further said that it was in touch with the community and raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators.