Hindu Temple Vandalized in California
A Hindu temple in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with offensive and hateful slogans. Images shared on social media show slogans such as “Modi-Hindustan Murdabad” (Down with Modi and India) and other derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The attack has sparked outrage within the Indian and Hindu communities in the United States.
The BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha), which built the temple, confirmed the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). This is not the first time such an attack has occurred. Seven months ago, in September 2024, another Hindu temple in Sacramento, California, was vandalized in a similar way.
India Strongly Condemns the Attack
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly condemned the incident and has urged US authorities to take strict action against those responsible. In an official statement, the MEA said:
“We strongly condemn this act of vandalism at a place of worship. We call upon local law enforcement to take strict action against those responsible and to ensure the safety and security of Hindu temples and religious sites.”
The Indian government has also reached out to US authorities, demanding a proper investigation into the incident.
Hindu Organizations Blame Khalistani Supporters
Several Hindu organizations in the United States have expressed concern over the rising number of attacks on Hindu temples. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) condemned the attack, calling it a direct attack on the Hindu community.
CoHNA stated
“Once again, a Hindu temple has been attacked. This is becoming a common occurrence, yet many in the media and academic world refuse to acknowledge that Hindu hatred exists. Instead, they dismiss it as a ‘myth’ and call Hinduphobia an imaginary problem.”
CoHNA also linked the attack to the upcoming ‘Khalistan Referendum’ in Los Angeles, suggesting that the timing of the attack is not a coincidence.
The organization further revealed that since 2022, at least 10 Hindu temples across the United States have been defaced with hate messages and anti-India slogans.
What is the Khalistan Referendum in California?
The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement demanding an independent Sikh state in Punjab, India. Pro-Khalistan groups in the US, Canada, and the UK have been organizing so-called ‘referendums’ to gain international support for their cause.
A Khalistan Referendum is planned to be held in Los Angeles, California, in the coming weeks. Many believe that this event is being used to spread anti-India propaganda and provoke divisions within the Indian community abroad.
The Indian government has strongly opposed these referendums, stating that they threaten India’s unity and sovereignty.
Series of Attacks on Hindu Temples in the US
This is not the first time Hindu temples in the United States have been targeted. Several similar incidents have occurred in recent years:
1. New York (September 2024) – BAPS Swaminarayan Temple
The BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Melville, New York, was vandalized with anti-Modi slogans and pro-Khalistan messages.
The Indian Consulate in New York condemned the act and urged US authorities to take strict action.
The incident occurred just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the region for a community event.
2. California (January 2025) – Vijay Sherawali Temple
The Vijay Sherawali Temple in Hayward, California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan slogans and anti-Modi graffiti.
The attack was linked to Khalistani extremist groups, who have been known to carry out similar acts in the past.
3. Newark (December 2023) – Swaminarayan Temple
The Swaminarayan Temple in Newark was vandalized with anti-India slogans.
India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, condemned the attack and called for US authorities to take immediate action.
These incidents indicate a pattern of increasing attacks on Hindu temples in the United States, particularly in regions where Khalistani influence is growing.
Indian-Americans Demand Investigation and Action
Following the latest attack, several Indian-American organizations have called for a thorough investigation and stricter action against those responsible.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) urged the US Department of Justice and Homeland Security to investigate these repeated attacks on Hindu temples.
HAF’s Executive Director, Suhag Shukla, stated on social media:
“It is shocking and unacceptable that a place of worship has been attacked simply to express hatred toward a political leader. This is not just an act of vandalism; it is a clear case of religious hatred and intimidation.”
Shukla also emphasized that Hindu and Indian institutions have been facing increasing threats in the US, and such incidents must be taken seriously.