India Condemns Destruction of Hindu Statue Amid Thai-Cambodian Border War
The Live Info Media
A long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has taken a sharp religious and cultural turn. Following the demolition of a sacred statue, India has officially stepped in to express its deep concern.
The Incident
- The Act: On December 22, Thai military engineers used an excavator to topple and destroy a 9-meter-tall statue of Lord Vishnu.
- The Location: The statue was located in the An Ses area near the Preah Vihear temple. Cambodia claims this land as its own, while Thailand considers it a disputed zone recently secured by its forces.
- The History: The statue was built in 2014. While Cambodia views it as a religious landmark, some Thai officials viewed it as an illegal structure used to mark territory.
The Human Cost
This event is part of a much larger and deadlier conflict:
- Casualties: Since fighting reignited in early December, at least 86 people have been killed.
- Displacement: Nearly one million people have been forced to flee their homes due to heavy shelling and airstrikes.
- UNESCO Site at Risk: The famous Preah Vihear Temple (a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva) has also reportedly been damaged by bombing.
India’s Official Response
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement on December 24:
- “Disrespectful Act”: India described the demolition as a “disrespectful act” that hurts the sentiments of followers worldwide.
- Shared Heritage: Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reminded both nations that Hindu and Buddhist deities are part of a “shared civilizational heritage” for the entire region.
- Call for Peace: India urged both sides to stop the violence and return to dialogue and diplomacy to protect lives and ancient heritage.
Current Situation (As of December 25)
- Ceasefire Talks: Military officials from both countries began talks on Wednesday to restore a ceasefire.
- Ongoing Violence: Despite the talks, military strikes continue. Reports indicate that Thailand has used fighter jets to bomb targets, while Cambodia has responded with rocket fire.
