Sydney: During his three-day visit to Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about the attacks on temples in Australia and stated that his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese had assured him of taking strict action against such perpetrators in the future.
In a joint address with Albanese, PM Modi emphasized their discussions on the issue of temple attacks and separatist activities in Australia. He reiterated their commitment to preserving the warm and friendly relationship between India and Australia, stating that any individuals or ideologies that undermine this bond would not be tolerated. PM Albanese reassured PM Modi once again of his determination to take stringent measures against such elements in the future.
Recent incidents have highlighted cases of Khalistani extremism and clashes between Khalistani activists and pro-India demonstrators in various parts of Australia. These confrontations have included the burning of Indian flags and the vandalism of a Hindu temple.
During his visit to India in March, Albanese had already affirmed Australia’s stance against extreme actions and attacks on religious buildings, emphasizing that such behavior has no place in Australia and specifically mentioning Hindu temples. When asked about his assurances to the Indian Prime Minister, Albanese reiterated Australia’s respect for people’s faith and its intolerance for extreme actions and attacks on religious structures, whether they be Hindu temples, mosques, synagogues, or churches. He stated that Australian authorities, including the police and security agencies, would take decisive action against those responsible for such incidents, underscoring Australia’s status as a tolerant and multicultural nation.
In March, PM Modi also mentioned that Albanese had assured him during his India visit that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Australia were of utmost importance to him. The recent vandalism of the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane by pro-Khalistan supporters was seen as part of a broader pattern of hate crimes perpetrated by the Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) organization, aimed at terrorizing Australian Hindus. These acts of violence, coupled with propaganda, illegal signs, and cyberbullying, are designed to instill fear and intimidation.
Several incidents of temple vandalism have been reported, including the vandalization of the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs and the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park, both of which were defaced with anti-Hindu graffiti. Anti-India slogans were found on the walls of the Mill Park temple, indicating the involvement of anti-India elements in the act of vandalism.