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India Urges Restraint as Hindu Idol Damaged in Thai-Cambodia Border Clashes

India has called for a return to dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia following reports that a statue of a Hindu deity was demolished in the conflict zone. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated such acts disrespect shared civilizational heritage and hurt global religious sentiments. Meanwhile, fresh clashes have erupted along the border, involving rocket attacks, artillery, and reported air strikes impacting civilian areas. The violence underscores the urgent need for diplomatic resolution to prevent further loss of life and damage to property.

Key Points: Hindu Idol Damaged in Thai-Cambodia Fighting; India Urges Dialogue

  • India urges diplomacy
  • Hindu deity statue reportedly damaged
  • Border clashes involve artillery, drones
  • Civilian areas impacted
  • Shared heritage emphasized
2 min read

India urges dialogue amid damage reports of Hindu deity idol in Thai-Cambodia clashes

India calls for dialogue after reports of a Hindu deity statue's demolition in the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict, warning such acts hurt global sentiments.

"Such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place. - Indian Ministry of External Affairs"

New Delhi, December 24

The Ministry of External Affairs urged Thailand and Cambodia to return to dialogue and diplomacy amid reports of the demolition of a Hindu religious deity.

The MEA noted in its statement that such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of thousands of believers worldwide.

"We have 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. Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilisational heritage," the statement read.

"Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place. 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," the statement further read.

Thailand and Cambodia have reported new fighting in their ongoing border conflict, as the first talks between the sides since the latest outbreak of violence get underway, Al Jazeera reported.

Thailand's military said on Wednesday that there had been clashes in the border provinces of Sisaket and Surin, Thai media reported, with Thai forces responding to Cambodian BM-21 rocket attacks with artillery, tank fire and drones.

One Thai soldier was injured in the Pha Mo I Daeng-Huai Ta Maria area of Sisaket province, the Thai army said, before Thai forces returned fire, striking more than 19 Cambodian military targets.

Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence said Thai forces had carried out air attacks on Banan district in the northwestern border province of Battambang, hitting a civilian residential area with four bombs, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Cambodia's Ministry of Education also released a video showing what it said were scenes of panic at a school in the province, with students fleeing as the air raid was carried out.

Further, the Ministry said two civilians had been injured by Thai shelling in Banteay Meanchey province, Al Jazeera's sources reported.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to read about the damage to the idol. These statues are not just stone; they represent faith for millions. I'm glad our MEA spoke up. The focus should be on stopping the violence and protecting civilians and heritage sites.
R
Rohit P
While the religious sentiment is important, the article shows the real tragedy is the loss of life and civilians being targeted. Students fleeing an air raid? That's horrifying. Dialogue is the only way. Hope our diplomacy can help bring calm.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, I think India's statement could have been stronger in condemning the violence against civilians first. The damage to property and heritage is terrible, but the injuries to people, including at a school, should be the primary concern. A more forceful call for protecting human life was needed.
V
Vikram M
Our civilizational links with Thailand and Cambodia are ancient. Angkor Wat itself is a Hindu temple complex! It's sad to see conflict in a region that shares so much history with us. Hope they listen to our call for peace. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
This is so disturbing on all levels. From the religious disrespect to the shelling near schools. As a mother, the image of those students panicking stays with me. The world needs to pay attention and support diplomatic efforts. Enough is enough.

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