India condemns demolition of Lord Vishnu statue at Thailand-Cambodia border: ‘Such disrespectful acts…’

The statue of a Hindu god was allegedly destroyed by the Thai army.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday, December 24, issued a statement regarding the demolition of the Lord Vishnu statue on the Thailand-Cambodia border. The ministry said that “such disrespectful actions hurt the feelings of followers around the world.” The reaction comes after a statue of the Hindu god was allegedly destroyed by the Thai army as border clashes between neighboring countries continue despite a peace deal.

MEA statement regarding the incident

In a statement published on The statement noted: “Despite regional claims, such disrespectful actions hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place. We call on the two sides to once again return to dialogue and diplomacy, maintain peace and prevent further loss of life and damage to property and heritage.”

Conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border

It was stated that the Vishnu statue, which was reportedly built in 2014, was allegedly overthrown by a bulldozer by Thai military engineers. The video showing the collapse of the statue was shared on social media platforms, causing reactions. Earlier in the day, Cambodia also criticized Thailand for destroying a statue of a Hindu god. Thai authorities have not responded to the incident so far. Border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries broke out in July this year. Despite the signing of a peace agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump, fighting resumed earlier this month. Talks are continuing to end deadly clashes between neighbors.