The desecration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, has sparked widespread condemnation from both the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and various community leaders.
The temple was defaced with hateful messages, marking another incident of vandalism targeting Hindu temples across North America. BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, a global religious and humanitarian organisation, has expressed deep sorrow over the repeated acts of hatred and called for peace, respect, and unity among all communities.
The incident took place on September 16, 2024, prompting BAPS to issue a statement in which they condemned the act and offered prayers for those responsible, hoping they would be freed from their hatred and see the shared humanity that unites all people. BAPS also highlighted that this was not an isolated case, as other Hindu temples in North America have faced similar incidents of desecration in recent years.
BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, respect, and harmony, which are foundational to religious freedom in the United States.
They also affirmed their full cooperation with authorities as they investigate this hate crime. Local law enforcement agencies were immediately notified, and they have begun their investigation.
The Consulate General of India in New York has also strongly condemned the attack, calling it "unacceptable." They have reached out to U.S. law enforcement, urging them to take swift action against the perpetrators.
In a social media post, the Consulate underscored the importance of addressing such acts of vandalism to ensure justice and protect the sanctity of religious institutions.
The desecration of the temple has drawn support from various political and community leaders, who gathered at the site of the incident to offer their prayers for peace and unity.
Among those in attendance were U.S. Representatives Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, New York State Assembly Speaker Phil Ramos, and numerous other federal, state, and local officials. They all expressed their solidarity with the Hindu community and condemned the act of hatred.
The gathering also saw support from several community organisations, including leaders from the NAACP, local Jewish temples, Christian churches, and Muslim mosques. These organisations came together to send a message of unity, showing that religious communities across the spectrum stand in solidarity against hatred and intolerance. This show of support highlighted the strength of interfaith collaboration in the face of adversity.
In response to the incident, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has urged the U.S. Justice Department to investigate the attack. They pointed out that this is part of a troubling trend of vandalism targeting Hindu temples across North America, including in California and Canada.
HAF also noted that Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had recently released a video threatening Hindu and Indian institutions, which may have contributed to the incident. The group called on U.S. leaders to take immediate action to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of the Hindu community.
This incident in New York comes at a time when the Hindu community is preparing for a large gathering in nearby Nassau County. The community has been on high alert following recent threats, and leaders are urging law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting religious institutions and maintaining peace.
BAPS spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj also offered his prayers for peace and harmony in the wake of this troubling event. He, along with other religious leaders, continues to advocate for unity, emphasising that love, compassion, and understanding must overcome hatred.
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