New Delhi: The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which has been going on for the past one month, has now claimed the life of a Vishnu statue in Cambodia.
The Thai army has demolished a 9-meter (about 30 feet) tall Vishnu statue in the disputed area between the two countries, which is currently within the Cambodian border, using a bulldozer. The video of this has gone viral on the internet, and there has been a huge outcry over the Thai government's action.
In 2014, the Cambodian government had installed a small temple and a 9-meter tall Vishnu statue in the N Ses area, 100 km from the Thai border. It had recently emerged as a major place of worship for Hindus and Buddhists. But the Thai army, which claims the area as its own, arrived with bulldozers on Wednesday and demolished the statue.
India on Tuesday expressed concern over reports that a Vishnu statue had been vandalised in an area affected by a border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Responding to media queries, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the statue was built recently and is located in an area affected by tensions between the two countries.
The Vishnu statue was built in 2014. A video of the demolition went viral on social media, sparking outrage in both countries and beyond. According to AFP, there are no indications that the footage was manipulated using artificial intelligence. But Thai authorities have not yet issued an official response to the incident.
"Irrespective of territorial claims or disputes, acts of disrespect to religious symbols hurt the sentiments of followers around the world and should not happen," the MEA spokesperson said.
"We once again urge both sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, resume peace and avoid further loss of life, property and heritage," he said.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia have been high since border clashes erupted in July. Although both sides agreed to a ceasefire brokered by US President Donald Trump that month, fighting resumed earlier this month.