Hinduphobia on rise in Australia, third Hindu temple vandalized within weeks
Three temples have been vandalized by Khalistani elements within a span of 3 weeks in Australia, creating fear among the local Hindu populace and spreading Hinduphobia.
A third Hindu temple in Victoria state, Australia has been vandalized within two weeks, with reports suggesting that it was done by “Khalistani supporters” and that anti-India graffiti was found at the scene.
On Monday morning, the management of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple, also known as the Hare Krishna Temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park, discovered that the walls of the temple had been vandalized with graffiti reading “Hindustan Murdabad ” and “Khalistan Zindabad.” Additionally, the walls were also covered with hate speech against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Supporters of the Khalistan movement have also written slogans praising terrorist Bhindrawala, who was responsible for killing over 20,000 Hindus and Sikhs, and referring to him as a “Martyr.” This type of slogan was also found on temple walls in previous incidents.
According to The Australia Today website, Bhakta Das, Director of Communication for ISKCON Temple, expressed shock and outrage at this disrespectful act. A complaint has been filed with the police and CCTV footage is being provided to help in the investigation he further said. This is the third incident of its kind to occur in a short period of time. On January 12, the Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne was vandalized with anti-India graffiti by unidentified individuals. On January 16, the historic Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria, was similarly defaced.
Shivesh Pandey, an IT consultant and devotee of ISKCON temple, said: “In the last two weeks, Victoria Police has failed to take any decisive action against the people who are running their hate-filled agenda against the peaceful Hindu community.”
India last week condemned the vandalism of Hindu temples in Australia and said that the matter has been raised with the Australian government in Canberra and asked for an expeditious investigation against the perpetrators. Australian High Commissioner In India, Barry O’Farrell, issued a statement after the Indian intervention. He said, “We have been shocked at the vandalism of two Hindu temples in Melbourne, & Australian authorities are investigating,” he tweeted.
