The BAPS Hindu Temple in US faced vandalism with discriminatory messages once again on Saturday, this time in Chino Hills, California,
BAPS’s official US page shared information about the incident on X, affirming that they would resist any attempts to sow discord. “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail,” said the BAPS Public Affairs on social media.
Later, the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), while drawing attention to incidents in the past as well, posted: “Another Hindu Temple vandalized – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so called ‘Khalistan referendum’ in LA draws close.”
CoHNA operates as a grassroots advocacy organisation focused on enhancing understanding of Hinduism and addressing issues affecting the Hindu community in North America.
Previous incidents of temple vandalism occurred last year, including one involving the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, on September 25, following a similar occurrence at the BAPS Mandir in New York just days earlier.
The offensive messages included statements like ‘Hindus go back’, causing distress among local Hindu residents, who subsequently expressed their determination to remain united in opposition.