The iconic war memorial ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph, which commemorates Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) of Indian heritage who served in World War One, has become the target of repeated instances of vandalism. According to the War Memorial Register, the memorial in Greenway Park in Cherrybrook, New South Wales, comprises a granite monument, with the Indian and Australian flags hoisted right beside it.

As per reports shared by The Indian Sun and The Australia Today, the Indian flag at the scene has been disrespected on multiple occasions. The incidents taking place at the monument, which honours 15,000 Indian soldiers who fought alongside Australian at Gallipoli during WWI, have “deeply” troubled community leaders.

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Indian flag vandalism: ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph in Cherrybrook

An image shared by the Australia new outlet captured a glimpse of the Indian flag lying on the ground after presumably having been thrown off its pole. As a result, another supplied photo showed the Australian flag standing in its lonesome.

In light of multiple reports of similar incidents at the Cherrybrook memorial, Anand Manickam, Vice President of the Australia India Cenotaph Custodian Committee and Vice President of Hindu Council (NSW), firmly condemned the “damage to the sacred site. In a statement to The Australia Today, he said, “Such acts are a profound disrespect to the memorial and to the shared military sacrifices it represents. They are unacceptable and must not be tolerated.”

Complaints lodged after ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph vandalism in Australia

In an attempt to counter the unresolved issue of the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph’s vandalism, Manickam has even filed several formal complaints with The Hills District NSW Police and Hornsby Shire Council. He believes the detestable acts desecrating the Indian flag at the monument may been motivated by hate.

Attending to the complaints, NSW Police Chief Inspector Phil Brooks reportedly visited the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph. He has since suggested some changes or upgrades, including “internally operated flagpoles, permanent flag affixing, increased patrols, and greater community awareness,” stated the Australian news outlet. Since all of these have yet to fully go into effect, the vandalism instances have continued to make saddening headlines.

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The Australian War Memorial recognises the ANZAC Jawan Cenotaph as a ‘Place of Pride.’ Earlier this year, the Australia India Cenotaph Committee–a project of the Hindu Council of Australia, hosted an ANZAC Day Commemoration Service. “This special event paid tribute to the brave ANZACs of Indian origin who served during World War I, recognising their courage, sacrifice, and shared heritage in the defence of peace,” the Hindu Council of Australia shared in April. Manickam also delivered a vote of thanks during the ceremony.