Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to the USA this week, Khalistani elements are believed to have again started creating ruckus and vandalised a temple not far from the venue of the PM’s community event in Long Island, New York. The Indian Consulate in New York has condemned the incident.
Hate-filled messages were sprayed at the temple by members of Khalistani groups, it is believed. Sources in the Indian diaspora have also reported spotting few hate-filled posters coming up in the Long Island area. The incident at the the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, happened on the night of September 15 in the USA. This temple is located about 26 km from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, the venue of Prime Minister Modi’s community event in New York on September 22.
“The vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, is unacceptable; The Consulate is in touch with the community and has raised the matter with US law enforcement authorities for prompt action against the perpetrators of this heinous act,” the Indian Consulate in New York said in a statement. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir on September 16 has also issued an “Appeal for Peace, Long Island, New York”.
“Today, on September 16, 2024, we are saddened that we must once again appeal for peace in the face of hate and intolerance. Last night, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Melville, New York, was vandalised with messages of hatred. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Similar acts of desecration have occurred at various Hindu Mandirs across North America. We strongly condemn these acts and pray for peace amongst all communities,” the temple said in a statement.
Peace, respect, and harmony for all regardless of background or faith are the bedrock of religious freedom in the United States, the temple authorities said.
“We also offer our deepest prayers for those who perpetrated this crime to be released of their hatred and to see our common humanity. The BAPS Mandir in Melville, New York, like all BAPS Mandirs worldwide, stands as a beacon of peace, harmony, equality, selfless service, and universal Hindu values. Upon learning of the hateful vandalism, the local authorities were called, and BAPS is working fully with the authorities to support their investigation into this hate crime,” the statement said.
Community members gathered on September 16 at the site of the desecration to offer prayers for peace and unity and were supported by local, state and federal leaders representing Long Island, including U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy New York State Assembly Speaker Phil Ramos, New York State Senator Mario Mattera among many others, the temple authorities said.
“Representatives from community organisations including NAACP President Tracey Edwards, Rabbi Susie Moskowitz from Temple Beth Torah, Rabbi Elizabeth Zeller from Temple Chaverim, Pastor Tom Johnson from St. Lutheran Church and Hassan Ahmed of Masjid Darul Quran as well as a representatives from American Jewish Committee and the various Hindu Mandirs in the area also were present to show their support – a powerful testament to our shared values of respect and unity,” the temple said.
In this challenging time, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, has also offered his prayers for peace and harmony. “We extend our gratitude to the local and state authorities for their ongoing support. Let us unite in prayer to continue promoting goodness and fostering harmony,” the temple authorities said.
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