Australian Envoy to India Condemns Vandalization of Hindu Temples in Melbourne

Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O’Farrell on Friday condemned the vandalization of Hindu temples in Australia and mentioned that the authorities in Australia have been shocked when made conscious of the developments.

He mentioned an investigation has been launched and mentioned that help for freedom of speech doesn’t imply permitting hate speech or violence.

Farrell in a tweet mentioned: “Like India, Australia is a proud, multicultural country. We have been shocked at the vandalism of two Hindu temples in Melbourne, & Australian authorities are investigating. Our strong support for freedom of expression does not include hate speech or violence.”

Earlier this week, the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Australia’s Carrum Downs was vandalised with anti-Hindu graffiti.

The act got here to discover on Monday, January 16, when devotees observing the Thai Pongal pageant visited the temple and came upon there was anti-Hindu graffiti sprayed on temple partitions.

Before this incident, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Mandir in Australia’s Mill Park was smeared with anti-India and anti-Hindu graffiti.

The two incidents have brought on concern among the many Hindus dwelling in Australia.

The Union ministry of exterior affairs mentioned that the Australian authorities was made conscious of the incidents they usually have responded by saying {that a} probe has been launched to discover out the perpetrators.

“We are aware that temples were vandalised in Australia. We condemn these incidents. If I remember correctly, both of them are actually near Melbourne in Victoria. These actions have been publicly condemned by Australian leaders, community leaders, and religious associations there,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Union ministry of exterior affairs ministry mentioned.

“Our Consulate General in Australia has taken up the matter with the local police. We have requested expeditious investigation action against the perpetrators and measures to prevent such incidents in future. The matter has also been taken up with the Australian Government, both in Canberra and New Delhi,” Bagchi additional added.

The Khalistani separatist motion and parts related to it has turned its consideration to Australia in a bid to disturb the connection between each international locations. It additionally has made comparable makes an attempt and tried to trigger tensions between India and Canada and India and the UK.

A automotive rally was held in Melbourne in order to garner help for the Khalistan referendum however it failed in its goal as these in opposition to the separatists outnumbered those that participated in the pro-referendum rally.

(with inputs from ANI)

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