Cases of attack on Hindus, vandalisation of temples in UK, Canada, US: Govt tells Lok Sabha

Opposition protest in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament. File Pic/PTI

The Indian government has officially acknowledged instances of attacks on Hindus and vandalism of temples in the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, according to a statement made in the Lok Sabha on Friday, reported the PTI.

In a written response to a query raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Yeshwant Desai, Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, confirmed that cases of targeted attacks against the Hindu community and desecration of their places of worship have come to the government's notice in recent times.

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Singh revealed that five incidents of vandalisation of Hindu temples have been reported in the US since last year, along with four similar cases in Canada. Instances in the United Kingdom have also been noted, though no such case has specifically come to light in Scotland, he added, according to the PTI.

When asked about any legislative or parliamentary motion being discussed in Scotland to address or condemn such acts of Hinduphobia, Singh stated that "no motion against Hinduphobia is currently under consideration in the Scottish Parliament."

Responding to concerns about discrimination and the increasing trend of religious intolerance against Hindus abroad, Singh assured the House that the Ministry of External Affairs actively engages with host governments in such cases.

"Whenever such incidents are brought to our attention, the matter is promptly raised with the concerned government authorities. This is done to ensure the safety and security of the affected individuals and organisations, as well as to pursue appropriate legal measures to bring the culprits to justice," the minister clarified, as per the PTI.

The issue has raised concern among Indian lawmakers and the diaspora alike, especially given the increasing frequency of hate crimes targeting religious minorities in various Western democracies.

India continues to monitor these developments closely and has reiterated its commitment to protect the interests and rights of the global Indian community, urging host countries to treat such acts with the seriousness they deserve, the news agency reported.

(with PTI inputs)