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Modi Raises Temple Vandalism Issue with Australian PM Albanese

Since the beginning of 2023, places of Hindu worship have faced a barrage of attacks on Australian soil, with the latest occurring last week at a temple in Brisbane.
Sputnik
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised the issue of the desecration of Hindu temples with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese who is on a four-day visit to the country.
According to Modi, Albanese assured him of stern action against radical elements that are working against Indian interests Down Under.
Additionally, the Australian prime minister promised Modi that he will implement measures for the safety and security of the Indian community there.

"I have seen reports of attacks on temples in Australia. I have conveyed this to PM Albanese and he has assured me that the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Australia is a priority for them," the Indian Prime Minister stated during a joint press conference in New Delhi on Friday.

Last week, the Shree Laxmi Narayan Temple in Brisbane was painted with anti-India graffiti by alleged 'Khalistan' supporters. It was the fourth such incident since January in Australia
'Khalistan' is a Sikh secessionist movement seeking an independent homeland carved out of India's northern state of Punjab exclusively for their community.
Previously, two temples in Melbourne, the Swaminarayan temple and ISKCON temple, and the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple in Carrum Downs saw offensive slogans like "Hindustan Murdabad" (death to India) and "Modi Hitler" written over them.
India has repeatedly condemned the defacing of Hindu temples in Australia.

"The frequency and impunity with which the vandals appear to be operating are alarming, as are the graffiti which include the glorification of anti-Indian terrorists," the Indian High Commission in Canberra said in January after three Hindu temples had been defaced.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar raised the issue during his visit to Canberra last month where he urged the Australian authorities to remain vigilant against "radical activities" of anti-India groups in Australia.
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