Responding to reports of the incident, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi was aware of the demolition of a recently constructed Hindu religious statue in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute. He emphasised that Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered across the region and form an integral part of a shared civilisational and cultural heritage.
India’s statement followed the circulation of viral videos on social media showing a Vishnu statue being demolished using a backhoe loader. The visuals triggered widespread concern and criticism online, with many questioning the destruction of a religious symbol amid an active conflict.
According to a report by news agency AFP, Cambodian officials confirmed that the statue stood within Cambodian territory. Preah Vihear province spokesperson Lim Chanpanha said the Vishnu statue, which was built in 2014, was located in the An Ses area, approximately 100 metres from the border with Thailand. The demolition reportedly took place on Monday. Cambodian authorities alleged that the act was carried out by the Thai army, though the broader circumstances remain linked to the escalating border dispute.
The diplomatic reaction from India also included an appeal for restraint and dialogue. New Delhi urged both Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their differences through peaceful means, stressing the importance of diplomacy to prevent further loss of life and damage to property. “Such acts should not take place,” Jaiswal said, underlining the need to respect religious sentiments even during times of conflict.
Clashes between Thailand and Cambodia first erupted in July over disputed border areas. Although a ceasefire was brokered by US President Donald Trump, hostilities resumed earlier this month, raising fears of prolonged instability in the region.
The demolition of the statue has added a sensitive religious dimension to an already volatile geopolitical situation. As tensions persist, the incident underscores how cultural and religious heritage can become collateral damage during armed conflicts, reinforcing calls from the international community for dialogue, restraint, and respect for shared history.
About The Author
.jpg)
Comment List