The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday said India has seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute, adding that such ”disrespectful acts” hurt the sentiments of followers around the world.
Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, “as part of our shared civilizational heritage”, the MEA said.
“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries regarding the demolition of Hindu deity statues.
“We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage,” Jaiswal added.