Preah Vihear temple: Any damage to conservation facilities is ‘matter of concern’, says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said India has seen reports regarding damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear during the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border clashes, adding that any damage to conservation facilities is ”unfortunate, and is a matter of concern”.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear temple is a shared cultural heritage of humanity, the MEA said.

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“India has been closely involved in its preservation. We sincerely hope that all measures will be taken to fully safeguard the site and related conservation facilities,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries regarding damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear.

“We once again reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise restraint and to take measures for cessation of hostilities & prevention of further escalation. We urge them to return to the path of dialogue and peace,” the MEA spokesperson added.

Situated on the edge of a plateau that dominates the plain of Cambodia, the Temple of Preah Vihear is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to UNESCO, the temple is composed of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases over an 800 metre long axis, dating back to the first half of the 11th century AD.

India’s concerns come after a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia reignited on Sunday, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the attack and confirming casualties.

On Thursday, the Cambodian Defence spokesperson stated that at least 10 Cambodian civilians have been killed and 60 others injured in the latest round of border conflict with Thailand, Xinhua News Agency reported.

“The casualties included 10 civilian fatalities, including one infant, and 60 civilian injuries,” Cambodian Defence Ministry’s Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt Gen Maly Socheata said in a press briefing.

In a press release, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior stated on Wednesday that more than 56,000 families, comprising 190,000 people, have fled their homes for safe shelters.

Meanwhile, Thai Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said on Thursday that nine Thai soldiers were killed while more than 120 others were injured due to the ongoing border clashes with Cambodia. Nearly 200,000 Thai civilians have taken shelter in refugee camps due to the ongoing border clashes. Surasant stated that three refugees have been reported dead and 849 refugee camps have been set up so far.