The statue of Mahatama Gandhi was defaced last week amid protests against the farm law.
New Delhi:
The United States has strongly condemned the destruction of a Mahatma Gandhi statue last week in front of the Indian embassy in Washington DC, as the White House described the incident as “terrible” and emphasized that it “fought for the values that the United States It represents”. This is the second incident in less than six months.
“It is terrible. No statue or monument should be desecrated and certainly none like that of Gandhi, who truly fought for the values that America represents of peace, justice and freedom,” said White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany, during a press conference on Tuesday. .
“It is appalling that it has happened more than once and we believe that Mahatma Gandhi’s reputation should be respected, especially here in the US capital,” he added.
The statue in Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Square “was defaced by Khalistani elements” on December 12, the Indian embassy said in a statement last week. The incident occurred when a group held a rally to support farmers protesting on the borders of Delhi against the agricultural laws of the center.
“The Embassy strongly condemns this malicious act by the hooligans posing as protesters against the universally respected icon of peace and justice. The Embassy has made a vigorous protest to US law enforcement agencies. Early investigation and action against the guilty under applicable law, “the official statement read.
On Tuesday, the US State Department responded to the incident saying it takes “the security of foreign missions very seriously” and added that it is discussing the issue with the Indian Embassy.
The statue of Mahatma Gandhi that was attacked last week was unveiled by former Prime Minister Atal Bhari Vajpayee in the presence of then-US President Bill Clinton on September 16, 2000.
A similar incident was reported in June amid protests against the murder in custody of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis.
In late November, a massive protest began around Delhi’s borders against the controversial agricultural laws. Thousands are camping on the outskirts of the city as they demand the repeal of the laws while the government says they are being duped amid repeated assurances that the laws will bring much-needed reforms in the agricultural sectors. Farmers say these laws leave them at the mercy of companies.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)
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