NEW DELHI, Dec 12: India today voiced concern over the damage to the Preah Vihear temple complex in the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border clashes and hoped that all measures will be taken to safeguard the UNESCO World Heritage Site that New Delhi is helping to conserve.
Following reports of bombing of the Preah Vihear temple premises in the ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, India appealed to both countries to exercise restraint and urged them to return to the path of dialogue and peace.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said in a statement:
“We have seen reports regarding damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear during the ongoing Thailand – Cambodia border clashes.
“Any damage to conservation facilities is unfortunate, and is a matter of concern.
“The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear temple is a shared cultural heritage of humanity. India has been closely involved in its preservation. We sincerely hope that all measures will be taken to fully safeguard the site and related conservation facilities.
“We once again reiterate our appeal to both sides to exercise restraint and to take measures for cessation of hostilities & prevention of further escalation. We urge them to return to the path of dialogue and peace.”
The Preah Vihear temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, was built by the Khmer rulers from the 9th to 12th centuries, and is remarkable for its Khmer architectural style.
However, the temple’s location along the ill-defined colonial-era border has made it a focal point of conflict between both nations. In 1962, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at The Hague ruled that the temple building itself is in Cambodian territory, a decision that caused significant political tension in Thailand. In 2013, the ICJ reaffirmed Cambodia’s sovereignty over the entire promontory of Preah Vihear and ordered Thailand to withdraw any military forces from the area.
Fresh clashes have broken out in the area of the Preah Vihear province, with the Cambodian side accusing the Thai military of using heavy weapons. The aerial bombardment is reported to have destroyed the conservation building of the Preah Vihear Temple Conservation and Restoration Project under the Cambodia-India cooperation, located in the Preah Vihear Temple 5 complex, and other conservation infrastructure.
The Preah Vihear Temple was inscribed on the World Heritage List on July 7, 2008.
India is helping with the conservation work of the Preah Vihear temple. In 2018, India signed an MoU with the Cambodian government to help with the restoration and preservation of some parts of the ancient temple. India has also undertaken significant restoration work at the Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm temples in Cambodia.
(UNI)
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