India flags concern over Thai army’s Hindu deity statue demolition

India on Wednesday voiced concern over the recent demolition of a statue of a Hindu deity on the Thai–Cambodian border by the Thai army.

It said such “disrespectful” acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world.

“We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai–Cambodia border dispute,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

A Thai army engineering unit was seen using a crane to dismantle the statue in an area known as Chong An Ma Pass in Ubon Ratchathani Province on Monday.

The Thai military said the statue was used by Cambodia to reinforce its claim over the area within Thai territory. Photos and videos of the incident went viral on social media.

“Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region as part of our shared civilizational heritage,” he said.

“Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not take place,” he added.

“We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to restore peace and avoid any further loss of lives, as well as damage to property and heritage,” Jaiswal said.