Outrage In India After Hindu Temple Vandalized With Hate Message In U.S.
WASHINGTON/NEW DELHI: There has been strong reactions in India after reports of a Hindu temple being vandalized in the U.S.
A Hindu temple was vandalized with hate message and swastika spray-painted on its wall in the U.S. state of Washington, the latest incident that has shocked the community ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival.
The incident happened when unidentified miscreants sprayed swastika and painted "Get Out" on one of the walls of the temple in the Seattle Metropolitan area. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in the entire North West.
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Department is investigating the Saturday's incident as malicious harassment.
"This kind of thing should not happen in the U.S. Who are you telling to get out? This is a nation of immigrants," Nitya Niranjan, chairman of board of trustee of the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre, Bothell, Washington told PTI.
The temple is celebrating Maha Shivaratri, a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Opposition leaders in India took a dig at the U.S. over the incident.
Congress leader PC Chacko said, "They always say,they are pluralist and inclusive society, what hppnd is totally unacceptable."
"The U.S. authorities must take stringent action against this and come out with a statement," he said.
"Hindu temple vandalised with hate message in U.S. But this doesn't include in "Religious Intolerance"," former J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.
The temple was targeted by vandals earlier also, but the incident was not reported.
"Some kind of painting was sprayed on the outside wall of the temple a few years ago, but they did not bring it to the notice of the law enforcement authorities as nothing was written.
"We have no idea, who did it," Niranjan said. Skyview Junior High, a block away, was also tagged with a swastika and the words, 'Muslims Get Out'.
Also Read: 3 Indians In 100 Shortlisted For One Way Trip To Mars
Modi Congratulates Yoga Teacher For Guinness Record
