PHNOM PENH – India has said the Thai military’s demolition of a Cambodian Hindu deity statue was disrespectful and has urged Cambodia and Thailand to end their conflict to prevent further loss of life and damage to cultural heritage.
The remarks were made on December 24 by India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, in response to media inquiries about the reported incident.
“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region as part of our shared civilizational heritage,” Jaiswal said.
“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place.”
The spokesperson also called on Cambodia and Thailand to resume dialogue and diplomacy to restore peace and avoid further loss of lives, as well as damage to property and heritage.
India’s statement came days after videos circulated on Thai social media and in local media on December 22 showing the demolition of a Vishnu statue using a backhoe loader.
Cambodia has said the statue was located inside its territory, in the An Ses area, and condemned the destruction of ancient temples and statues revered by Buddhist and Hindu worshippers.
The official response also followed remarks by former Indian politician Vijayasai Reddy, who condemned the destruction of the Hindu deity statue, saying the act was unacceptable even if carried out under the pretext of a border dispute.
“Whether placed by Cambodia or not, attacking faith and heritage only exposes intolerance,” Reddy wrote on X.
He said that while both Thailand and Cambodia are Buddhist-majority countries, historical records show repeated persecution of Hindu temples and attempts to erase them.
“Violence against sacred symbols cannot be whitewashed with slogans. No religion proves its ‘peace’ by destroying another’s faith,” he added.
