Various Sikh organisations and others in Victoria have condemned the anti-India graffiti pasted at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park, Melbourne, by alleged Khalistan supporters. Some Mmembers of Parliament have also joined the condemnation.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday, saw the temple gate being pasted with words such as “Hindustan Murdabad” (death with Hindustan), “Modi Hitler”, “SANT Bhindrawale MARTYR”, among others. It comes at a time when the temple is celebrating its 100th year centenary of spiritual guru HH Pramukh Swami Maharaja.
In a statement, the Gurdwara Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Officer, said, “Our community strongly condemns such cowardly acts aimed at disturbing bonds of love and compassion in our Australian society. Such acts are against all principles of humanism and Sikhism.
“We request the Victoria Police investigate this thoroughly, make a statement and take strict action against offenders.
We extend our love, and prayers to BAPS. They do heart-touching work in the community. We are grateful for their contributions to the entire Australian community.”
Expressing deep sadness, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Cultural Society, Craigieburn, also called for the police to take prompt action on the perpetrators.
“There is no place in our community for such attacks. We wish every member of BAPS community peace, Harmony & good will,” its management committee posted on its Facebook page.
The Hindu Council Australia, Victoria Chapter, said, “This (act) violates the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act in Victoria as this behaviour incites or encourages hatred, serious contempt, reversion, or severe ridicule against the peaceful Hindu community.
“Religious vilification is unacceptable and the Hindu Council of Australia (Victoria) condemns this vilification activity and urges the relevant Victorian and Federal Government authorities to take stern action against the perpetrators and ensure communal harmony in multicultural Australia.”
Other prominent figures have also come out with condemnation. Jaswood Wood, MP and long-time supporter of the Indian community, said, “Outrageous racial attack on a peaceful religious place is absolutely disgraceful and disgusting… this hateful behaviour have no place in our society”.
Lily D’Ambrosio, MP, said, “The Mandir is a very important place of worship across broader Melbourne and is used to host many events that grow a better understanding amongst us all of the rich diversity of our community.”
Meanwhile, BAPS Temple has called for peace and harmony at this juncture. “At this time, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has prayed for peace and unity and has appealed to all devotees and well-wishers to maintain peace.”
The temple also thanked authorities, including the governments of Australia and India as well as local community organisations, for their continued support.
The Indian media has covered the incident widely.
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