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News Topical, Digital Desk : India has expressed deep concern over the damage caused to the 1,100-year-old ancient Hindu temple 'Preah Vihear or Preah Vihear' in the recent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a focal point of dispute between the two countries. "Any damage to conservation facilities is unfortunate and a matter of concern. Preah Vihear Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a shared cultural heritage of all humanity," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement on Thursday.
'Both sides should show restraint and stop fighting'
Jaiswal said, "India has long been closely involved in the preservation of this temple. We sincerely hope that all necessary steps will be taken to fully protect the temple and its associated conservation facilities." The Ministry of External Affairs once again appealed to both countries to exercise restraint and stop the fighting. The statement said, "We once again appeal to both sides to show restraint, cease hostilities, prevent further escalation of tensions, and return to the path of dialogue and peace." It should be noted that this ancient Hindu temple is also a major cause of the entire dispute between the two countries.
Clashes resume, three Thai civilians killed
Five days of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia in July were halted after US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire, but the ceasefire has now broken down. Major fighting erupted last week after two Thai soldiers were injured. According to the Thai military, three Thai civilians were killed in heavy gunfire on Thursday. So far, about 24 people have been reported dead on both sides, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.
ICJ had declared the temple as part of Cambodia
On Wednesday, UNESCO also expressed deep concern over the fighting around the temple and said that it is ready to provide technical assistance if needed to protect the cultural heritage. This dispute between the two countries is more than a hundred years old. Thailand considers a map drawn in 1907 during the French colonial period as inaccurate. In 1962, the International Court of Justice declared the temple a part of Cambodia, which even today many people in Thailand do not accept. India has strongly appealed to both the countries for peace and expressed hope that soon this ancient heritage will be completely safe.
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