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VIOLENT ACT: The windscreen of this pick-up, belonging to a Hindu worshipper, was smashed outside the Pranavananda Ashram in Freeport on Sunday. –
AMIDST the attack on Hindu places of worship, in his capacity as president of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC), Independent Senator Deoroop Teemal is making a plea, “for an environment where diverse perspectives can be shared and respected, without resorting to violence or destruction.”
There were incidents of vandalism of Hindu places of worship at Tarouba, San Fernando and Beaucarro, Freeport, over the weekend.
The Compass Foundation (CF), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting unity, diversity and religious freedom, also viewed these recent attacks as “a grave hate crime.”
Both NCIC and the CF have condemned theburning of an effigy at Tarouba Road Ramleela Grounds and the stoning of vehicles at the Pranavananda Ashram at Beaucarro Road, Freeport, during a prayer service.
In a statement Narmada Ramjit Singh, PRO of CF said the foundation was very concerned by the surge in attacks on Hindu temples and sacred gatherings throughout the country.
She said raising awareness about these incidents and advocating for religious freedom was crucial in addressing these challenges.
“We want to express our deep concern and sorrow regarding the acts of intrusion, desecration, and vandalism targeting sacred places of worship, including the Lakrani Ganesh Mandir, Williamsville Hindu Temple, Kali Mata Temple, and the well-known Ramleela site at the Tarouba Recreation Grounds.
“The most distressing incident involved the Pranavananda Ashram, which was attacked while a significant religious gathering known as Kanya Kumari Pooja, during the auspicious period of Navratri, was in progress.
“This incident caused extensive damage and trauma particularly to the young children aged two-ten who were involved in the religious observance.
“This act is not only a grave hate crime but also an affront to the principles of religious freedom and coexistence.”
Teemal, condemning the desecration of the Ramleela effigy, said, “Such acts of disrespect and vandalism go against the spirit of unity, tolerance, and respect that festivals like Ramleela aims to promote.”
He said the Ramleela is a sacred tradition that holds deep cultural and religious significance for many people and should be treated with reverence and dignity.
“Events like these are becoming more prevalent in places of worship and should be condemned.
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“We believe in the power of dialogue and understanding to resolve conflicts and differences. It is important to foster and environment where diverse perspectives can be shared and respected, without resorting to violence or destruction.”
He urged citizens to remember that festivals like Ramleela are meant to bring communities together to celebrate shared heritage and promote peace and harmony.
Chairman of Couva/Tabaquite/Regional Corporation Ryan Rampersad, speaking on behalf of the council and the CEO said they too are deeply saddened and appalled by the Pranavananda Ashram incident.
“These acts of violence and intolerance have no place in our diverse and inclusive region. It has been drawn to our attention that, while over 80 devotees, together with the president Sujeet Kanhai and the pundit, were offering Kanya Kumari puja at the Pranavanananda Ashram, stones and other debris were thrown unto the compound.
“We strongly condemn this action and any other form of violence or discrimination based on religion or ethnicity. Our region is founded on principles of respect, unity, and diversity, and these values are fundamental to who we are as a community. An attack on one faith is an attack on all of us and as a council we stand in solidarity with all religions.”
The police are probing the two latest incidents.