A Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California, has been vandalised with inflammatory messages just days before the scheduled ‘Khalistan referendum’ event in Los Angeles.

The official US page of BAPS shared details of the incident on social media platform X, reaffirming their commitment to peace and unity.

“In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stands steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,” BAPS Public Affairs posted on X.

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) also condemned the attack, highlighting the repeated targeting of Hindu temples.

“Another Hindu Temple vandalised – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so-called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close,” CoHNA wrote on X, also calling for an investigation into the incident.

This is not the first instance of temple vandalism in the region. Last year, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was defaced on September 25, less than 10 days after a similar attack on the BAPS temple in New York. The desecration included messages such as “Hindus go back,” alarming the local Hindu community.

Hindu organisations and community leaders have urged authorities to take swift action against such acts of vandalism, emphasizing the need for increased security and awareness regarding religious intolerance.

MEA condemned the attack

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday condemned the recent vandalism of a Hindu temple in the United States. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was desecrated by unidentified individuals.

Responding to media queries via the MEA website, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen reports regarding the vandalism at a Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California. We condemn such despicable acts in the strongest terms. We call upon the local law enforcement authorities to take stringent action against those responsible for these acts, and also ensure adequate security to places of worship.”

(With inputs from ANI)