(Phnom Penh): President of the Buddhist Association of Cambodia, Ven. Preah Serikosol Som Sokha, has warned that the destruction of Hindu statues by Thailand could seriously offend more than 1.2 billion Hindus around the world and provoke widespread condemnation.

Speaking on the issue, Ven. Som Sokha said that damaging statues of Hindu deities, regarded as sacred places of worship, could have a profound psychological and spiritual impact on Hindu believers globally.

“There are approximately 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide, representing about 15 percent of the global population, with India being the country that has the largest Hindu population,” he said. “Such actions against sacred statues will undoubtedly be condemned, as they constitute harm to objects of worship deeply revered by Hindu followers.”

Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement condemning Thailand over the reported vandalism of a Hindu statue near the Cambodia–Thailand border, allegedly carried out by Thai soldiers. The ministry described the act as one of “utter disrespect.”

A spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that Hinduism and Buddhism are religions revered by people across the region. The spokesperson added that, regardless of territorial disputes or claims, acts that disrespect religious symbols harm the sentiments of believers worldwide and should not be tolerated.

The incident has raised concerns about the protection of religious and cultural heritage in disputed areas and has drawn increasing international attention.
=FRESH NEWS