Hindus Appeal to UN Over Temple Demolitions

June 11, 2006

Source: Hinduism Today

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/hpi/2006/6/21.shtml#1

On June 11, 2006 Hinduism Today reported, "Hindu groups in Malaysia complain that the Government is demolishing temples and have appealed to Indian rights groups and the UN to help protect their heritage. According to the Hindu groups, the latest instance was that of a 107-year-old place of worship that was razed last month in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. The demolition has triggered angry reactions from Hindus in the Muslim-dominated country. 'At least one temple is being demolished by the authorities every three weeks in an unlawful and indiscriminate fashion, at the federal, state and local levels,' said P. W. Moorthy, chairman of Hindu Rights Action Force, a coalition of about 50 groups. Apart from Government-order demolition of temples, there is at least instance were hoodlums are known to have attacked a place revered by the Hindus. 'Most of these temples are over a century old and have existed even before we got independence. And they have the cheek to deem these temples illegal,' a furious Moorthy said from Kuala Lumpur. 'We hope the international community will come to our rescue and act accordingly and urgently in the general interest of the public to protect the ethnic Hindu minority community in Malaysia,' he added."