India raises issue of vandalism of BAPS Swaminarayan temple with US, says it is unacceptable

India on Monday strongly condemned the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Melville, New York and called for immediate action, saying such acts of vandalism were unacceptable.

The Indian Consulate in New York said in a statement that it is in touch with the local community and has discussed the issue with US law enforcement officials to ensure immediate action against those responsible for this heinous act.

People are in contact with the Indian Embassy

Giving information on Twitter, the Indian Mission said: “The vandalism of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York is unacceptable. The Indian Consulate in New York is in touch with the community and in touch with US law for immediate action against the perpetrators of this heinous act.” The matter has been handed over to law enforcement officials.

Hindu groups condemned the attack

Meanwhile, an Indian American organization also condemned the attack and called for an investigation by the U.S. government. According to News Beat, the organization called on the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to investigate the attack on the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Melville and recent threats against Hindu organizations. In addition, a large number of Indian community members plan to unite in Nassau County this weekend.

Several videos shared on social media showed twisted abuse on the road and on signs outside the temple. Despite the incident, the temple planned to go ahead with scheduled prayers this afternoon.

Responding to the incident, Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, said the attack should be seen in the context of the threat landscape, tweeting: “Those who attack Hindu temples to spread hatred against elected leaders are. It is difficult to comprehend the cowardice of this attack, which should be seen in the context of a threat to Hinduism and Indian institutions.

PM Modi to announce a massive plan

Let us tell you that Melville is a city in Susquehanna County, Long Island, about 28 km from NASO Veterans Memorial Stadium. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be delivering a big program there on September 22.