The damage of the Shri Swaminarayan temple in California was denounced by the US State Department on Saturday. It applauded the efforts of the Newark Police Department to bring the offenders to justice.
The US State Department’s official account for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs was written on X.
Following reports from the police that purported pro-Khalistan activists had vandalized the Swaminarayan temple in Newark, California, the US State Department released the statement. The event included anti-Indian graffiti written on the outer wall of the Hindu temple and revealed on Friday (local time).
“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,”
“One of the devotees, who lives close to the shrine, discovered anti-Hindu and anti-India graffiti in black ink on an exterior wall of the building, and the local administration was immediately informed,” averred Bhargav Raval, the spokesperson, temple administration.
S Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, expressed worry about the anti-India graffiti that was vandalized at a Hindu temple in the US and stated that such a place should not be given to extremists and separatist groups operating outside of India.
“I have seen the news. As you know, we are concerned about this. Extremists and separatist forces outside India should not get space. Our consulate has lodged a complaint with the (US) government and the police there over whatever happened, and I believe the matter is being inquired,” Jaishankar said.
Condemning the crime, a police official stated, “I can also tell you that as a member of the Newark Police Department and the Newark community, we’re deeply saddened when these types of acts occur, and we think they’re senseless and they have no room. We won’t tolerate them here in Newark. So today, I wanted to make sure that you understand how seriously we take these situations and know that we will investigate as thoroughly as possible with utmost care and sensitivity.”
