Australian Hindus demand prosecution of temple attackers, investigation into funding of Khalistani groups

Several Australian Hindu organisations have praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for raising with his Australian counterpart the issue of recent attacks on temples by Khalistani goons Down Under and also demanded immediate prosecution of the accused.

On Friday, during his bilateral talks with Anthony Albanese, PM Modi raised concerns over the safety of the Indian community in Australia following the recent incidents of vandalism and violence.

“Since the last few weeks, news of attacks on temples in Australia are coming regularly. It is natural that such news worries people in India. I have raised these concerns with Prime Minister Albanese who has assured me that the safety of the Indian community is a special priority for him,” said PM Modi.

Special teams from India and Australia will now remain in regular touch on the issue as the Australian PM assured PM Modi that his government has a deep understanding and appreciation of India’s concern and will be taking all necessary measures to ensure that peace and harmony prevail in their society.

Welcoming the development in New Delhi, the Indian community in Australia spotlighted at the same time that the perpetrators of attacks are still roaming free.

“While the raising by @NarendraModi of the safety of Australian Hindus & attacks on our temples is commendable, words must translate into action. There has not been a single prosecution of the Federation Square Khalistani attackers or as to any of temple vandalizations/threats,” tweeted the media wing of the Australian Hindu Association.

Besides the prosecution of culprits, several Indian organisations have also demanded public inquiry of Khalistani groups to learn more about their funding and connections.

They have also urged the Australian authorities to bar another ‘referendum’ event in Brisbane on March 19, citing the earlier violence in Melbourne.

“Weapons like swords, etc, are brandished by these groups. They should also be brought under the ambit of law,” they demanded.

It was in Brisbane earlier this month that another Hindu temple – the Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir -was targeted by Khalistanis, just ahead of Albanese’s visit to India.

“I am aware of what has happened at Melbourne Hindu Temples, but facing this hate ourselves is a very distressing experience,” Ramesh Kumar, a resident of the area, told The Australia Today

“This latest hate crime is a pattern of Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) globally, clearly attempting to terrorise Australian Hindus. Coupled with a barrage of propaganda, illegal signs, and cyberbullying, the organisation intends to present all-pervasive threats, fear, and intimidation,” added Sarah Gates who is the Director of Hindu Human Rights.

As reported by IndiaNarrative.com, Khalistani groups had attacked the Indian Consulate in Brisbane on February 21 and hoisted a so-called Khalistan flag on the premises.

Honorary Consul of India in Brisbane Archana Singh immediately notified the Queensland Police, which on arrival confiscated the flag and swept the Honorary Consulate of India to clear of any immediate threat.

Previously, Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs and BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Park were smeared with hate messages against Hindus and India.

The spate of attacks on Hindu temples had triggered widespread concerns with no end to Hinduphobia in the country.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that during PM Modi’s conversation with Albanese on Friday, it was made clear that such acts disturb harmony in society, and for a balance of order and peace and harmony in society, it is extremely necessary to take action against such anti-social elements which are involved in these vandalism acts.

On the activities of the pro-Khalistani elements in Australia, Kwatra stated that the Australian leadership has showed appreciation for India’s sensitisation and assured of suitable response which they would take in this context.

Also Read: India concerned as Khalistani goons go berserk in Melbourne again