 "‘Hurts sentiments’: India expresses concern over demolition of Hindu deity statue amid Thai-Cambodia border clashes")
India on Wednesday expressed concern over the destruction of a statue of a Hindu deity amid the ongoing military tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
New Delhi described such acts as “disrespectful,” noting that they hurt the sentiments of devotees worldwide, while calling on both nations to resolve their border dispute through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
“We have noted reports regarding the demolition of a recently constructed statue of a Hindu religious deity in a region affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border tensions,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
”Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage,” he said.
Jaiswal was responding to a media query on the issue.
”Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place,” he said.
”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.
The border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries erupted in July.
Both countries agreed on a ceasefire in July that was brokered by US President Donald Trump. The fight broke out again this month.
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