As the conflict between Cambodia and Thailand worsens, a viral video shows a Vishnu idol being destroyed in Cambodia. The government spokesperson of Cambodia, Kim Chanpanha, accused Bangkok of being involved in the attack that demolished the statue. The video on the internet shows a backhoe operator destroying the Vishnu statue.
Preah Vihear’s leader, Lim Chanpanha, speaking to the AFP, confirmed that the statue, which was located in the Cambodian territory of An Ses area, is located in the province of Choam Ksan in Preah Vihear, Cambodia, near the Thailand border. Chanpanha revealed that the statue was built in 2014 and was about 100 meters tall.
The government spokesperson Kim Chanpanha posted on X that the government condemned Attacks on any site worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. The AFP verified the video footage and the attack independently, and the location has also been verified by the news agency. The footage shows a backhoe leader demolishing the statue, which, according to the Cambodian government, was worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists.
As per a Google map search, the statue was over 400 meters away from the Thailand border. According to IANS, the Indian External Ministry has expressed concern over the attack, calling it “disrespectful” towards the communities. The ministry acknowledged that it was awarded for the demolition of the statue during the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute.
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson of MEA, said that Hindus and Buddhists worship the statue for its civilizational heritage, and regardless of the border dispute, such acts are condemnable as they hurt the sentiments of people across the world. He also affirmed that both sides should be involved in dialogue and diplomacy and should avoid violence.
