Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh of America (HSS) condemns the recent state-sponsored destruction of a Hindu temple in Malaysia. According to international media reports of April 21, Malaysian authorities demolished a century-old Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, bulldozing the building as devotees cried and begged them to stop. HSS believes this as a clear violation of the religious rights of the minority Hindu community.
For thousands of years throughout their history, Hindus have been both in philosophy and in practice tolerant and respectful to all human beings regardless of their faith. However, it is an unfortunate fact that the Hindu religion often does not receive reciprocal respect.
It is appropriiate to recall that the destruction of the ancient statues of Buddha in Bamyan, Afghanistan, preceded the September 11, 2001, attack by only a few months. Both incidents demonstrate the challenge of radical Islam to non-Islamic faiths. We urge the US authorities to give this news serious attention and express its concerns to the Malaysian authorities through proper diplomatic channels.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh is a non-profit cultural organization about 100 chapters throughout the U.S.A. For more information about HSS, contact the HSS National Public Relations Coordinator, Mr. Khanderao Kand, by email at sampark@hssus.org or by phone at 408-737-7930.