New Delhi, Mar 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed strong concern on the incidents of vandalism and violence targeting the Indian community and temples in Australia by pro-Khalistani elements during his talks with visiting Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The Australian PM assured him that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for his government.
Referring to the spate of recent incidents of vandalization of temples, PM Modi in his media statement after the annual summit talks, said: “It is a matter of regret that attacks on temples have been regularly reported in Australia over the past few weeks.
“It is natural that such news worries the people in India, and disturbs our mind. I have shared these feelings and concerns of ours with Prime Minister Albanese. And he has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him.
“Our teams will be in regular touch on this topic, and will cooperate as much as possible,” PM Modi added.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, in a special briefing on the visit, said that “There were also discussions on the disturbances created by pro-Khalistani outfits in Australia.
“PM Modi expressed strong concern on the incidents of vandalism and violence targeting the Indian community and temples in Australia. These were also mentioned in his media statement.
“PM Albanese assured PM Modi that his government has deep understanding and appreciation of India’s concern and will be taking all necessary measures to ensure that peace and harmony prevails in the society,” FS Kwatra said.
There has been a spate of hate attacks on Hindu temples in Australia, with the latest coming as Prime Minister Albanese flew to India from Perth.
The Swaminarayan Temple in Perth received a threat call from Khalistan supporters.
Earlier, the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane’s Burbank suburb was attacked by a group of Khalistani supporters on March 4. It was the fifth attempt at vandalism.
On January 23, the walls of the ISCKON temple in Melbourne’s Albert Park were vandalised with anti-India graffiti.
On January 16, the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs, Victoria, was vandalised in a similar manner.
On January 12, the Swaminarayan temple in Melbourne was defaced with anti-India graffiti.
India has condemned the vandalism against the Hindu temples in Australia and has raised the issue with the Australian government.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Business Upturn staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)