US condemns vandalism of Hindu temple in California
In its first statement on the vandalism of a Hindu temple, the United States on Saturday condemned the act wherein walls of the SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in California were defaced with anti-India graffiti on Friday.
It also welcomed efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
In a post on X, the US Department of State said, “We condemn the vandalism of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple in California. We welcome efforts by the Newark Police Department to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
In images circulating on social media, the word ‘Khalistan’ could be seen spray-painted on a signpost outside the temple along with other objectionable graffiti, news agency PTI reported.
Reacting to the incident, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had stated that extremists and separatists should not be given any space. Speaking to reporters, he said, “I have seen it. Extremists and separatists should not be given any space. Our Consulate there has registered a complaint with the Government and the Police and an inquiry is underway.”
The Consulate General of India in San Francisco strongly condemned the incident in a post on social media platform X. “This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter,” the post read.
(The Indian Express)
The post US condemns vandalism of Hindu temple in California appeared first on DailyNews.