Hindu temple vandalised in Australia’s Brisbane, locals blame Khalistani supporters

A temple frequented by many local Hindus was allegedly vandalized by Khalistan supporters in Brisbane's Burbank neighborhood on Saturday, Australian media reported. This is the fifth such incident in Australia since the beginning of the year.

According to The Australia Today, a visit to the Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir in South Brisbane is part of the daily routine of several Hindus in the city. Ramesh Kumar, a longtime resident, told to reports that he was surprised to see the "hateful" graffiti as he approached the temple's parking lot. "I am aware of what has happened in Melbourne's Hindu temples, but to face this hatred ourselves is a very disheartening experience," Kumar said.

Temple president Satinder Shukla told in a report: “The temple priest and devotees called me this morning to inform me about the vandalism on the boundary wall of our temple. Shukla claimed that they would issue a more detailed statement after a discussion between the management committee and the police authorities.

More recently, another Khalistani group based in Lahore, Pakistan issued threats against the Gayatri Mandir, another Hindu temple in Brisbane. Sarah L. Gates, director of Hinduism for Human Rights, said the recent "hate crimes" against Hindus were part of a pattern by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) to terrorize Australian Hindus. "Along with the barrage of propaganda, illegal signs and cyberbullying, the organization intends to present pervasive threats, fear and intimidation," Gates added.

SFJ was banned in India in 2019 for anti-India activities.