VHPA decries attack on Hindu priest in New York

News Bharati 06-Aug-2019

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Swami Harish Chander Puri in Queens, New York was attacked by someone in New York recently

New York, Aug 6: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) has deplored the attack on a Hindu priest Swami Harish Chander Puri in Queens, New York. The Swami is priest of Shiv Shakti Peeth in Glen Oaks and was attacked when he was walking down the street wearing his religious dress, the VHPA said in a press release.

Speaking on behalf of VHPA and American Hindus Against Defamation (AHAD), Ajay Shah, Vice President of VHPA for Awareness and PR and Conveneer of AHAD said: “The attack on the Hindu priest in Queens, New York is just beyond an attack on a Hindu priest as an individual. This attack is the manifestation of hate towards Hindu community and mode of worship, and it is clearly intended to intimidate Hindus of Queens. VHPA and AHAD demand that the New York police immediately investigate this attack on Swami Harishchander Puri as a hate crime and prosecute the perpetrator of the crime to the fullest extent of law.”

Sanjay Mehta, General Secretary of VHPA and a key organizer of Hindu Mandir Executives’ Conference (HMEC) stated that, “HMEC condemns the attack on Swami Harishchander Puriji of Shiv Shakti Peeth Mandir in Queens, NY. While we count on the law enforcement to take action against the perpetrator of crime against Swami Harishchander Puri, the HMEC stands ready to provide legal and other support needed by Swami, Shiv Shakti Peeth and the Queens Hindu community. HMEC and its associated project, HIndu Mandir Priests Conference (HMPC), will continue to fight ignorance of Hindu dharma and hate towards Hindus. In the upcoming annual meet of HMEC, from Sept 20-22, 2019 in East Hanover, New Jersey, there will be a special workshop on Mandir security and broader community engagement and education.”