India Urges US to Address Rising Attacks on Hindu Temples:

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed Parliament that multiple cases of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti have emerged in the United States in recent years. In a written reply to a Lok Sabha question, Singh confirmed that the Indian government has consistently raised the issue through diplomatic channels with US authorities.

Singh emphasized that all reported incidents are addressed promptly by Indian officials, ensuring that concerns are shared with their American counterparts without delay.

Community and Law Enforcement Response

Temple managements and local Hindu community associations have filed complaints with local law enforcement agencies in the US. These complaints demand thorough investigations, accountability for those involved, and stronger security measures at religious sites.

According to Singh, US authorities are treating these incidents as hate crimes and are actively investigating them. He also mentioned that members of the US Congress have advocated for a broader approach to tackle hate crimes against Hindus.

Recent Incidents Reignite Safety Concerns

The vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California has renewed fears within the Hindu community. Similar acts of defacement were recorded last year at the same organization’s temples in Sacramento and New York, within a short time span.

These recurring attacks have raised significant alarm among Hindu advocacy organizations.

Hindu Advocacy Groups Demand Action

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) expressed deep concern about the growing frequency of hate crimes targeting Hindu places of worship. The group called for urgent steps to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of the community.

Official Indian Statement Condemns the Attacks

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong condemnation of the recent acts. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that such behavior is unacceptable and must be addressed with stringent law enforcement action.

“We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We urge local law enforcement to act swiftly against those responsible and to provide adequate protection for all religious institutions,” Jaiswal said.