New Delhi: India has expressed deep concern over the damage to the 1,100-year-old ancient Hindu temple of Priya Vihear or Priya Vihear in the recent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been the focus of a dispute between the two countries.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said any damage to the conservation facilities is unfortunate and a matter of concern. Priya Vihear temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a shared cultural heritage of all humanity.
India has long been closely involved in the conservation of this temple. "We sincerely hope that all necessary steps will be taken to fully protect the temple and its associated conservation facilities," Jaiswal said.
The Ministry of External Affairs has once again appealed to both countries to exercise restraint and stop the fighting. We once again appeal to both sides to show restraint, stop the fighting, prevent further escalation and return to the path of dialogue and peace, the statement said. It should be noted that this ancient Hindu temple has been a major cause of the entire dispute between the two countries.
The five-day war between Thailand and Cambodia in July was stopped after the mediation of US President Donald Trump. But now the ceasefire has broken down. Major fighting broke out last week after two Thai soldiers were injured. According to the Thai military, three Thai civilians were killed in heavy gunfire on Thursday. So far, about 24 people have been killed on both sides and millions have been displaced.
UNESCO expressed deep concern about the fighting around the temple. It said it was ready to provide technical assistance if needed to protect cultural heritage. The dispute between the two countries dates back more than a century. Thailand does not accept the border line drawn in 1907 during the French colonial period.
In 1962, the International Court of Justice declared the temple to be part of Cambodia. This fact is still not accepted by many Thais. India has strongly appealed to both countries for peace. It has expressed hope that this ancient heritage will soon be fully protected.