India Voices Concern Over Demolition of Hindu Statue Amid Thailand-Cambodia Border Tensions
India's Reaction to Statue Demolition
New Delhi: On Wednesday, India raised alarms regarding the reported destruction of a statue of a Hindu deity amidst the ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, emphasizing that such "disrespectful actions" offend the sentiments of devotees globally.
A video showing the alleged demolition of a Lord Vishnu statue by Thai officials has gained significant traction on social media, drawing sharp criticism not only from India and Southeast Asia but also from international observers.
Officials from Cambodia's Preah Vihear province noted that the statue was erected in 2014 and was situated within the An Ses area of Cambodian territory.
In response to inquiries from the media, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday evening that it is aware of the reports concerning the demolition of a recently constructed statue of a Hindu deity located in a disputed area between Thailand and Cambodia.
"Hindu and Buddhist deities hold profound significance for people throughout the region, reflecting our shared cultural heritage. Regardless of territorial disputes, such disrespectful actions are hurtful to followers worldwide and should not occur," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
"We once again call on both nations to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and prevent further loss of life, as well as damage to property and cultural heritage," he added.
For the third consecutive week, military confrontations have erupted between Bangkok and Phnom Penh along their shared land border, resulting in at least 80 fatalities following the collapse of truce negotiations.
During a meeting of ASEAN's top diplomats on Monday, both nations agreed to discussions between their defense officials aimed at reinstating the ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict over their border stems from unresolved territorial claims that date back to the era of French colonialism.