I have been aware of the fresh attack on Sri Mandir Temple in Auburn on 19th March, 2011. Bullets were fired at it. The situation is pretty scary for every one but specially so for the Priest or PunditJi who lives there along with his children in the temple premises. I am aware that the local police is investigating the incident.

The email  to me on Monday, 21st March, 2011, said;

“ There were some shots fired at the Auburn Sri Mandir on Saturday, 19 March
Some incidents have taken place at Minto where people have entered temple put graffiti, thrown eggs, and also demanded something from the priests.”

I had already contacted temple committee people like Mrs Leela Gune, with our support. We have also contacted the priest.

Over the last few years, there have been several attacks on Auburn Sri Mandir temple, last one only a few months ago. Police investigated that matter too. Despite that, attacks have not stopped. They seem to have been escalated.

This last attack and the previous attack have been covered by  The Indian newspaper.  I have read the latest coverage which provides detailed and balanced information on this matter. Every person who cares for the issue of this nature, community harmony and freedom to practise religions should read this coverage  and give a thought to what is going on and what has to be done.

We do not attack anybody’s place of religion and we should not tolerate someone else attacking ours.

We need to come together to demand effective action in these matters.

I also believe that the attack on Sri Mandir temple is not an issue just for me, you or temple committee but it is an issue for every body else in NSW who is decent, tolerant and fair-minded. We need to support the temple committee and Hindu Council of Australia and be a part of the team to demand effective action.

To the Temple committee and Hindu Council, we are with you  for this matter! You can count on us!

The problem is clear but solution is not. We, as a community, have to think about the solution and the strategy. Keeping quiet is definitely not an option.

Australia is a multicultural society and there is no place for attacks on the places of religions.

I and  my close friends including the executive committee of Council of Indian Australians Inc had a discussion on this matter last Tuesday and have resolved to work with the temple committee and Hindu Council of Australia actively.

I also believe that the coverage on temple attacks should not be confined to only our community newspapers. It needs to be covered in the main stream media too.

Having said that, we do have to express our appreciation and admiration to The Indian newspaper for covering these attacks so prominently. Well done, The Indian newspaper.

We are a part of NSW and we need to go beyond our own ethnic media for a wider coverage, impact and support.

This is an issue for all peace loving and tolerant NSW communities, not just for the Indian Australian community.

Dr Yadu Singh/Sydney/25th March, 2011

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