External Affairs Ministry today stressed that disrespectful acts such as demolishing statues of deities hurt the sentiments of followers around the world, and should not take place.

In response to media queries on the demolition of a Hindu deity statue in an area affected by the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border dispute, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of shared civilizational heritage.

He urged 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.