The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, has been vandalized in an alarming incident that has drawn widespread condemnation. The Consulate General of India in New York has taken a firm stance, calling the act unacceptable and urging U.S. law enforcement authorities to take swift action against those responsible.Indian Consulate demands actionIn a strong response to the incident, the Indian Consulate General in New York condemned the vandalism on its social media account. The official statement read: The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable. The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable The Consulate @IndiainNewYork is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with U.S. law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.…— India in New York (@IndiainNewYork) September 16, 2024The Indian consulate emphasized its close communication with both the local community and US officials to ensure that justice is served swiftly. The act of vandalism has sparked concerns within the Indian diaspora, especially as tensions surrounding Hindu institutions in North America rise.Hindu American foundation urges investigationThe Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called on the US Department of Justice to investigate the attack thoroughly. Highlighting the threat posed to Hindu institutions, the HAF posted on X (formerly Twitter): Hindu temple in Melville, NY shared by OnTheNewsBeat after recent threats to Hindu institutions as a large Indian community gathering is planned in nearby Nassau County this weekend.Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect & unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion & solidarity. pic.twitter.com/ERvM1m1AZF— BAPS Public Affairs (@BAPS_PubAffairs) September 16, 2024The foundation also pointed to a video recently posted by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who has made threats against Hindu and Indian institutions. HAF compared the vandalism in New York to recent attacks on temples in California and Canada.Previous incidents of vandalismThis is not an isolated incident. In July, another BAPS Swaminarayan Temple was vandalized in Edmonton, Canada, drawing similar condemnation from political leaders. Canadian Member of Parliament Chandra Arya expressed his concern, stating, The Hindu temple BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Edmonton is vandalized again. During the last few years, Hindu temples in the Greater Toronto Area, British Columbia, and other places in Canada are being vandalized with hateful graffiti.These escalating incidents underscore the urgent need for authorities to take decisive action against hate-fueled violence targeting Hindu communities in North America.
