Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA strongly condemns the recent attacks and desecration of BAPS Swaminarayan Mandirs in the United States. We stand in unwavering solidarity with the BAPS community during this deeply troubling time. Within less than two weeks, the BAPS temples in Melville, NY, and Sacramento, CA, were vandalized by individuals driven by malice. The sanctity and beauty of these temples were violated by violent, politically motivated messages, leaving the community distressed by these heinous acts.
The rising hate crimes against Hindus and the ongoing attacks on their way of life highlight the growing intolerance and erosion of religious freedom for this peaceful community. A disturbing trend is emerging, where the American Hindu community and organizations are targeted through social media bullying, often fueled by non-local, non-US political agendas. These actions embolden individuals to commit further hate crimes, threatening the security and unity of the community.
We call upon all individuals and organizations to reject misguided cancel campaigns that foster negativity and division within the community and broader American society. The American-Hindu community must recognize the deliberate attempts to curtail religious freedom and avoid being misled by false activism. We urge law enforcement, elected officials, the media, educators, thinkers, and influencers to take note of these incidents, act to prevent future occurrences, and promote peaceful coexistence by condemning all forms of hate in society.