India Condemns Destruction of Vishnu Statue in Thailand-Cambodia Clashes

India has voiced strong concern over the demolition of a Hindu deity statue. The incident occurred in an area affected by ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. The statue of Lord Vishnu was reportedly destroyed by Thai military engineers on Monday.

This action has drawn sharp criticism from New Delhi. Officials state such acts disrespect shared civilizational heritage and hurt global religious sentiments. The conflict has already resulted in significant military casualties and property damage.

Statue Demolition Sparks Outrage and Diplomatic Response

The demolished Vishnu statue was constructed in 2014. Video of its destruction circulated widely on social media, sparking international outrage. According to reports from AFP, a Cambodian government spokesman stated the statue was inside Cambodian territory.

He claimed it was about 100 meters from the Thai border. However, other mappings place it roughly 400 meters away. India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a formal statement on the matter.

Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged a return to dialogue. He emphasized that Hindu and Buddhist deities are revered across the region. The call for peace underscores the cultural sensitivity of the incident.

Broader Conflict and Hopes for Ceasefire

The statue’s demolition happened amid fierce border fighting. According to Reuters, recent clashes have killed at least 86 people. The conflict stems from a long-standing territorial dispute over an 800-kilometer border.

Ancient temple ruins along the frontier are a central point of contention. Each side has blamed the other for instigating the fresh violence. This recent flare-up followed a short-lived ceasefire brokered in July.

Military officials from both nations began new talks on Wednesday. The discussions are expected to run until Saturday. A Thai defense ministry spokesperson expressed hope for positive outcomes from the meeting.

India’s firm stance highlights how cultural heritage is becoming collateral in regional conflicts. The destruction of the Vishnu statue adds a sensitive religious dimension to the Thailand-Cambodia clashes, complicating diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting peace.

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Q1: Which statue was destroyed in the border conflict?

A statue of the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu was demolished. It was built in 2014 and located in a contested border area. The incident was captured on video and shared online.

Q2: How did India react to the statue’s destruction?

India’s government called the act “disrespectful”. Officials stated it hurts the sentiments of followers worldwide. They urged both sides to return to peaceful dialogue immediately.

Q3: What is the cause of the Thailand-Cambodia clashes?

The fighting stems from a colonial-era territorial dispute. The border was never fully agreed upon. Ancient temple ruins located on the frontier are a key point of contention.

Q4: Have there been attempts at a ceasefire?

Yes, but previous truces have failed. A ceasefire brokered in July by the US, China, and Malaysia was short-lived. New military talks began this week to try and halt the fighting.

Q5: What has the human cost of the conflict been?

The recent wave of clashes has been deadly. Reporting from Reuters indicates at least 86 people have been killed. This includes military personnel and likely civilians caught in the crossfire.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AFP, Indian Ministry of External Affairs statements.