Hindu Temple In New York Desecrated, Indian Consulate Raises Matter With US Authorities
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was vandalised on Monday with hate messages inscribed on the driveway and the sign of the temple outside the gate.
A person spray-painted threatening and derogatory anti-Hindu messages on the driveway and sign of a Hindu temple in Melville, causing damage, Suffolk police said.
According to reports, the act of vandalism was carried out at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, at 2 Deshon Drive, sometime between 7 p.m. Sunday and 6:30 a.m. Monday, police said.
Suffolk County Police Hates Crimes Unit detectives are investigating the criminal mischief incident as a hate crime.
Meanwhile, Consulate General of India in New York has strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, calling the act "unacceptable." The matter has been raised with US authorities.
In a post on X, the Consulate General wrote, “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.”
Calling it yet another act of “hate” and “intolerance”, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, in a statement said, “Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu Mandirs across North America.”
Adding, “We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace amongst all communities. Peace, respect, and harmony for all regardless of background or faith are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States.”
Further, the community members alongwith some of the US lawmakers gathered today at the site of the desecration to offer prayers for peace and unity and were supported by local, state and federal leaders representing Long Island, including U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi.
Reacting to the incident, the two took to X and condemned the incident.
“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,” Congressman Nick LaLota had told the gathering.
Tom Suozzi wrote, “There is too much hate! I am appalled by the hideous acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville. Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism, and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation.”
“The BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York, like all BAPS Mandirs worldwide, stands as a beacon of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values. Upon learning of the hateful vandalism, the local authorities were called, and BAPS is working fully with the authorities to support their investigation into this hate crime,” the BAPS statement read.
Among other reactions that came in were condemnations and seeking justice and accountability by Indian American lawmakers Ro Khanna and Niraj Antani.
Ro Khanna posted, “I strongly condemn this act of desecration of a Hindu temple in Melville, NY. Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence. We need accountability and to make sure this does not happen again.”
Niraj Antani wrote, “I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Melville, NY. The perpetrators must be caught & prosecuted to the full extent of the law. This is yet another disgusting incidence of Hinduphobia in our country. We must stand together to combat this hatred.”
Another lawmaker, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick also took to X seeking investigation into the matter. He wrote, “Attacks on places of worship are attacks on our most fundamental values. This cannot, and will not, be tolerated. We stand firmly with our Hindu-American community, and condemn violence and hatred in all its forms, without exception. A full investigation should be pursued, and justice must be served swiftly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has called on the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the attack as the threats to Hindu institutions are seen even a large Indian community event is planned for the coming weekend.
HAF pointed to a recent video posted by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, in which he threatened Hindu and Indian institutions. The foundation stated that the New York vandalism bears similarities to attacks on temples in California and Canada. It also pointed to the fact that Gurpatwant Pannun, of “Sikhs for Justice,” recently posted a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions, including HAF, as the community event approaches.
“Gurpatwant Pannun, of “Sikhs for Justice,” recently posted a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions, including HAF, as the community event approaches. The vandalism is similar to that seen in attacks on temples in New York, California and Canada & called out by @CongressmanRaja @RoKhanna @ShriThanedar @PramilaJayapal @BeraForCongress @shuvmajumdar and other political leaders,” the post read.
This is not the first time that BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir has come under attack. Similar incidents were reported a few months ago in Edmonton, Canada.
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