California Hindu Temple targeted with anti-India graffiti days ahead of Khalistan referendum in LA

A BAPS Hindu Temple in Chino Hills, California, was defaced with hateful messages just days before the so-called ‘Khalistani referendum’ in Los Angeles. BAPS Public Affairs shared details of the vandalism, reaffirming the community’s resolve to “never let hate take root” and ensuring that peace and compassion would prevail. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) condemned the desecration, linking it to the upcoming referendum, and called for further investigation into recent incidents of anti-Hindu vandalism.

In a post on X, BAPS Public Affairs wrote, “In the face of another Mandir desecration, this time in Chino Hills, CA, the Hindu community stand steadfast against hate. Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail.”

The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), also shared details of the incident on X, and said the desecration of the iconic BAPS Temple in California comes ahead of the “so called Khalistan referendum” in Los Angeles.

“Another Hindu Temple vandalized – this time the iconic BAPS temple in Chino Hills, CA. It’s just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that #Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination. Not surprising this happens as the day for a so called “Khalistan referendum” in LA draws close.”

The post listed down other recent cases of vandalism of temples from 2022 onwards and gave a call for investigation into the matter.

CoHNA is a grassroots-level advocacy organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America and matters impacting the Hindu community.

Cases of temple vandalism took place last year too as the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California, was vandalised on the night of September 25. This incident occured less than 10 days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York.

The ‘anti-Hindu’ messages included phrases such as ‘Hindus go back,’ alarming the local Hindu community. In response, the community expressed its commitment to standing united against.