Khalistan supporters vandalise Hindu temple in Australia’s Sydney

International

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The Khalistan supporters reportedly vandalised the BAPS Swaminarayan temple located in Western Sydney’s Rosehill suburb in Australia on Friday.

It is reported that the front wall was damaged with graffiti and a Khalistan flag was found hanging on the gate.

The temple management on Friday morning discovered that the front wall was damaged with graffiti “Declare Modi Terrorist (BBC)”, according to The Australia Today website.

“When I came this morning for prayers I saw ugly vandalism on the front wall,” the website quoted Sejal Patel, a regular visitor to the temple and a resident of Harris Park, as saying.

The issue was brought to the local police authorities around 7 am. The authorities have got access to the CCTV footage, the report said.

This is the fifth incident of vandalism against Hindu temples in three months in Australia.

On January 12, the Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne was defaced by ‘anti-social elements’ with anti-India graffiti.

The historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria, was vandalised in a similar manner on January 16.

On January 23, the walls of the revered ISCKON temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park were vandalised with graffiti “Hindustan Murdabad”.

Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was attacked by pro-Khalistan supporters on March 4.

India has repeatedly condemned the attacks against the Hindu temples and raised the issue with the Australian government.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Australia in February, emphasised the need for vigilance against “radical activities” targeting the Indian community in Australia

“Noted the forward movement on our bilateral agenda. Emphasised the need for vigilance against radical activities targeting the Indian community,” S Jaishankar tweeted after his meeting with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.