External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Tuesday expressed concern over the recent attack on a Hindu temple in Brampton, Canada, calling it "deeply concerning" during a press conference with his Australian counterpart Penny Wong at Parliament House, Canberra.
“This is an unfortunate incident and should not have happened. We condemn the incident, and we are in touch with the Canadian authorities to ensure this doesn’t happen again," said MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
Hindu temples were vandalized in different parts of Australia allegedly by anti-India elements in January. On January 23, a Hindu Temple was vandalised with anti-India graffiti in Melbourne's Albert Park, The Australia Today reported.
About 20,000 devotees thronged Sri Mariamman Temple to witness the ceremony, also known as Maha Kumbabishegam, which occurs every 12 years.
A Hindu temple in Melbourne was allegedly vandalised by anti-India supporters and defaced with anti-India graffiti, saying 'Hindustan Murdabad', media reports said.
The temple, which will be officially open to the public from today -- the day of the Dussehra festival, welcomes people of all faiths and has allowed entry to worshippers and other visitors to view the 16 deities other interior works, reported Gulf News.
West Midlands Police tweeted they were aware of the event and were working with faith leaders and others to monitor the situation.
On Wednesday, Jaishankar visited the site of the under-construction site of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in the UAE.
A senior Indian diplomat drew the attention of the General Assembly towards the destruction of a temple with explicit support and connivance of the law enforcement agencies.
The mob claimed that the temple had encroached on extra land and set it on fire. Some 25 people have been in connection with the incident in overnight raids.
