India condemns attacks on Hindu temples in Australia

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI (AA) – India on Thursday condemned the vandalism of three Hindu temples in Melbourne, Australia, in recent weeks, calling the attacks clear attempts to sow hatred and division among the peaceful multi-faith and multi-cultural Indian-Australian community.

Since January 12, Melbourne's Iskcon Temple, Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple, and Swaminarayan Temple have been defaced with anti-India and pro-Khalistan graffiti.

A section of India's Sikh religious community launched the Khalistan movement in the late 70s in order to establish a separate homeland in the northern Punjab region.

However, it was unable to achieve its goal due to the Indian government's crackdown on separatists.

But the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based group, continues its campaign for the secession of Punjab.

“The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which include glorification of anti-Indian terrorists,” said the Indian High Commission in Canberra, Australia's capital, in a statement.

“Our concerns have repeatedly been shared with the Australian government, both by the High Commission and our Consulates in Australia and by our government with the Australian High Commission in Delhi,” the statement said, expressing hope that not only the perpetrators would be brought to justice, but that appropriate action would be taken to prevent future attempts.

“Signals that pro-Khalistan elements are stepping up their activities in Australia, actively aided and abetted by members of proscribed terrorist organisations such as the Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and other inimical agencies from outside Australia, have been evident for some time,” the statement said.

The Indian government declared this SFJ a terrorist organization in 2019.

Last year, the group organized a referendum in Canada, asking Sikhs if they support the Indian state of Punjab should become an independent nation.

The Indian mission is also concerned about the SFJ's announcement of a "so-called referendum" in Melbourne and Sydney, the statement said, referring to the group's press conference in Melbourne on January 18, at which it announced the referendum.

The mission has conveyed India’s concern to the Australian government, the statement said, urging Canberra to ensure the safety and security of Indian community members and their properties in Australia.

It also urged not to allow the use of Australian territory for activities that are detrimental to India's territorial integrity, security, and national interests.​​​​​​​