Extremism Shouldn’t Be Given Space: Jaishankar On Temple Vandalism In US

Union external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said India has sought an investigation into a Hindu temple in California being vandalised with pro-Khalistan slogans and anti-India graffiti.

"I have seen it. Extremists, separatists and such forces (against India) should not be given space in foreign lands. Our Consulate there complained to the government and the police and an inquiry is underway," he said.

The Hindu-American Foundation has shared pictures of the defacement at Newark's Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Swaminarayan Mandir Vasana Sanstha in Newark, California was defaced with pro-#Khalistan slogans. @NewarkCA_Police and @CivilRights have been informed and a full investigation will follow. We are insisting that this should be investigated as a hate crime," it stated.

"This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter," the Consulate General of India in San Francisco added.

The post elaborated that the reference to the Khalistan terrorist leader Bhindranwale, who targeted Hindus, was intended to distress temple-goers and instil a fear of violence. The message emphasized that such actions met the definition of a hate crime according to the CA.

The Indian Consulate in San Francisco condemned the incident saying that the incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. "We strongly condemn the defacing of SMVS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at Newark, California with anti-India graffiti. This incident has hurt the sentiments of the Indian community. We have pressed for quick investigation and prompt action against the vandals by the US authorities in this matter," the Consulate General said in a statement.

"I have seen the news. As you know, we are concerned about this. Extremists and separatist forces outside India should not get space. Our consulate has lodged a complaint with the (US) government and the police there over whatever happened, and I believe the matter is being inquired," NDTV quoted Jaishankar as telling reporters.

Newark Police, which is investigating the issue, said that it might be a targeted act.

"Based on the graffiti, we believe it was a targeted act, and it's going to be investigated with full thoroughness. I can also tell you that as a member of the Newark Police Department and the Newark community, we're deeply saddened when these types of acts occur, and we think they're senseless and they have no room," Jonathan Arguello, a captain in the Newark Police Department said.

This marks a recurring pattern of Hindu temples being targeted by Khalistani extremists overseas. Similar incidents have occurred in Australia and Canada. The Government of India has consistently raised this issue on numerous diplomatic platforms.