The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said there has been a rise in the number of instances of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in the US in recent months.
This information was shared by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in response to a written question in the Lok Sabha about the steps taken by the government to protect Hindu temples in the US.
“In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of instances of Hindu temples being defaced with anti-India graffiti in the United States of America,” he said.
Singh stated that the government of India “accords the highest priority to the welfare, safety, and security of Indian citizens and the Indian community abroad.”
“All incidents of attack and vandalization of temples and places of worship are immediately taken up with the host government through diplomatic channels,” he added.
The minister noted that respective temple management authorities and community associations have also registered complaints with local law enforcement agencies. They have called for proper investigations, stringent action against those responsible, and adequate safety and security arrangements for places of worship.
“The US law enforcement authorities have conveyed that all such cases of vandalization of temples and places of worship are being investigated as hate crimes,” Singh said.
“Members of the US Congress have also urged the concerned security agencies to come up with a broader strategy to counter hate crimes targeting Hindus in the United States,” he added.
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