HINDUPHOBIA REARS ITS UGLY HEAD: California Temple Vandalized with 'Hindus Go Back' Messages

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu):  India condemned the vandalism of a Hindu temple in California, USA. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal appealed to law enforcement officials to take strict action against those responsible. Jaiswal said in a statement, "We have seen reports about the vandalism of a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We strongly condemn such despicable acts. We call upon local law enforcement authorities to take strong action against those responsible for these acts and ensure adequate security of places of worship." BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, one of the largest Hindu temples located in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with 'anti-India' messages. The 'anti-Hindu' messages included phrases such as 'Hindus go back', which left the local Hindu community worried. The official page of BAPS for the US shared details of the incident on social media platform X, saying they will 'never allow hate to take root' and that peace and compassion will prevail. X In the post, BAPS Public Affairs wrote, "At the desecration of another temple, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands firm against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never allow hate to take root. Our shared humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail."

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (COHNA) also shared details of the incident on X and said that the desecration of the iconic BAPS temple in California comes ahead of the 'so-called Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. COHNA tweeted, "Another Hindu temple vandalised - this time at the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It's another day in the world when media and academia will insist that there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a figment of our imagination. It's not surprising that this happens as the day of the so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles draws closer." The post lists other recent cases of vandalism at temples since 2022 and appeals for an investigation into the matter. This latest incident comes less than 10 days after a similar incident at the BAPS temple in New York.