A BAPS Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, has been vandalised with inflammatory messages, mere days before the scheduled so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles.
The official page of BAPS for the United States shared details of the incident on social media platform X, condemning the act and asserting their commitment to peace and harmony.
In a statement, BAPS Public Affairs wrote: “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”
The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also highlighted the incident on X, linking it to the upcoming Khalistan referendum.
Also read: Canada BAPS temple vandalised, anti-India graffiti defaces
“Another Hindu Temple vandalised – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called 'Khalistan referendum' in LA draws close,” CoHNA stated.
CoHNA also called for a thorough investigation into the matter while citing similar acts of temple vandalism in the past.
The advocacy group is dedicated to raising awareness about Hinduism in North America and addressing issues affecting the community.
This is not the first instance of temple desecration in the region. Last year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalised on the night of 25 September, less than ten days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York.
The messages left on temple walls, such as ‘Hindus go back’, have caused alarm within the local Hindu community, which has responded with resilience and solidarity.
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