NEW DEHLI: United States Congress leaders on Tuesday squarely criticised the vandalism at BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in New York's Melville , calling it acts of " bigotry and hate" which is happening because of "inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders".
Condemning the act that drew sharp reactions from various quarters, the US leaders demanded that the act should be probed as a "hate crime" and accountability should be fixed to ensure such incidents don't repeat.
"There is too much hate! I am appalled by the hideous acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville. Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism , and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation," wrote US Congressman Tom Suozzi.
Another US Congressman, Ro Khanna strongly condemned the desecration of the temple, saying "Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence". Khanna also sought accountability to avert a similar incident in the future.
Jenifer Rajkumar, New York State Assemblywoman, called for the investigation while stating that "freedom of worship is a fundamental American value that we must protect".
"I condemn the vandalism of the BAPS Hindu Temple, a beacon of spirituality & inclusivity that is beloved in the community. I call for this to be investigated as a hate crime. Freedom of worship is a fundamental American value that we must protect," said Jenifer Rajkumar.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York's Melville was vandalised on Monday.
The Indian consulate in New York expressed strong disapproval of the act, labelling it "unacceptable."
The incident took place in Melville, Suffolk County, around 28 kilometers from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a large community event at this venue on September 22.
After the incident, BAPS issued a statement and claimed the act was "aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus".
"Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect & unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion & solidarity," BAPS Public Affairs wrote on X.
Condemning the act that drew sharp reactions from various quarters, the US leaders demanded that the act should be probed as a "hate crime" and accountability should be fixed to ensure such incidents don't repeat.
"There is too much hate! I am appalled by the hideous acts of vandalism targeting the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville. Such acts of vandalism, bigotry, and hate are happening far too often because of inflammatory rhetoric by national leaders, extremism , and lack of accountability. Acts like these are un-American and contradict the core values of our nation," wrote US Congressman Tom Suozzi.
Another US Congressman, Ro Khanna strongly condemned the desecration of the temple, saying "Freedom of worship is a bedrock of our democracy. There is no place for acts of intimidation, harassment or violence". Khanna also sought accountability to avert a similar incident in the future.
Jenifer Rajkumar, New York State Assemblywoman, called for the investigation while stating that "freedom of worship is a fundamental American value that we must protect".
"I condemn the vandalism of the BAPS Hindu Temple, a beacon of spirituality & inclusivity that is beloved in the community. I call for this to be investigated as a hate crime. Freedom of worship is a fundamental American value that we must protect," said Jenifer Rajkumar.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in New York's Melville was vandalised on Monday.
The Indian consulate in New York expressed strong disapproval of the act, labelling it "unacceptable."
The incident took place in Melville, Suffolk County, around 28 kilometers from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a large community event at this venue on September 22.
After the incident, BAPS issued a statement and claimed the act was "aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus".
"Deeply saddened by the desecration of our BAPS Mandir in Melville, NY, an act aimed at inciting hatred against Hindus. Today, local, state & federal leaders gathered to promote peace, respect & unity. Guided by our faith, we stand united against hate with compassion & solidarity," BAPS Public Affairs wrote on X.
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