India on Wednesday voiced concern over the demolition of a statue of a Hindu deity in the ongoing military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. New
Delhi said such "disrespectful" acts hurt sentiments of followers around the world, even as it urged both Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border dispute through dialogue and diplomacy. "We have seen reports on the demolition of a statue of a Hindu religious deity, built in recent times, and located in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilizational heritage," he said.
Jaiswal was responding to a media query on the issue. "Notwithstanding territorial claims, such disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place," he said.
"We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage," Jaiswal added.
The border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries erupted in July. Both countries agreed on a ceasefire in July that was brokered by US President Donald Trump. The fight broke out again this month.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFMQEwcwclg
Senior military officials from Thailand and Cambodia began talks Wednesday aimed at reviving a ceasefire, days after both sides agreed to try to halt nearly three weeks of deadly border fighting.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting has continued in recent weeks. Thailand and Cambodia have accused each other of violating an enhanced ceasefire agreed to in October, which included commitments to withdraw troops and heavy weapons and begin demining contested areas.
Since early December, clashes have erupted at multiple points along the border, from forested areas near Laos to provinces along the Gulf of Thailand. Cambodian authorities say at least 21 civilians have been killed and more than 5,00,000 people displaced. Thailand reports at least 65 deaths and over 1,50,000 evacuees.
