Indian Lawmaker Condemns Destruction of Hindu Deity Statue in An Ses area, Preah Vihear Province

Indian Lawmaker Condemns Destruction of Hindu Deity Statue in An Ses area, Preah Vihear Province

New Delhi, 23 December 2024 — Indian Member of Parliament Mr. Vijayasai Reddy V has issued a strong condemnation of the destruction of a Hindu deity’s statue amid a border-related dispute, describing the act as unacceptable and a grave violation of religious faith and cultural heritage.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Mr. Reddy stressed that attacking sacred symbols cannot be justified under any pretext, including territorial or political disagreements. He stated that whether the statue was placed by Cambodia or not is irrelevant, emphasizing that the destruction of religious heritage only exposes intolerance and undermines shared civilizational values.

Mr. Reddy further noted that both Thailand and Cambodia are predominantly Buddhist nations, yet history records repeated persecution of Hindu temples and attempts to erase Hindu heritage. He warned that acts of violence against religious symbols cannot be whitewashed by rhetoric or slogans, and undermine claims of peaceful coexistence.

“No religion demonstrates its ‘peacefulness’ by destroying another’s faith,” Mr. Reddy asserted, calling for respect for all religions, protection of sacred sites, and restraint in times of political tension.

The statement underscores growing international concern over the protection of religious heritage and reinforces calls for tolerance, mutual respect, and adherence to universal principles of cultural and religious freedom amid regional disputes.