India advised Thailand and Cambodia to restraint tension and avoid escalation as clashes started again on Friday. The clashes have been reported to have caused some damage to the 11th-century Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is near the Thai-Cambodian border.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) called it as “unfortunate” and expressed concern about the destruction caused at conservation facilities. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Preah Vihear temple represents our common cultural heritage. India has been integrally involved in its preservation.”
He added, “We sincerely hope that all necessary steps will be taken to completely secure the site and facilities for conservation. We again appeal to both parties to display restraint and make efforts for a cessation of hostilities and avert escalation. We appeal to them again to return to the path of dialogue and peace.”
Background of Renewed Thailand-Cambodia Clashes
Despite a ceasefire agreement that had been previously brokered by US President Donald Trump, fighting broke out again between Thailand and Cambodia this week. Skirmishes took place at more than a dozen places across the border, which stretches 817km and stands as the longest international border in Southeast Asia.
Thailand’s army made an announcement about weakening Cambodian forces. Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s prime minister, said that they will carry on with attacks. But the Cambodian government said they want peace and had attacked because it was defending itself.
Preah Vihear Temple: Cultural and Historical Significance
At the center of the dispute stands the Preah Vihear Temple, commonly referred to as Phra Viharn in Thai. Historically, it was an ancient Hindu temple that was erected during the golden age of the Khmer Empire during the 11th century and is recognized as a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE site with immense cultural and historical value for Thailand and Cambodia.
It has been reported that Thailand’s military launched heavy bombardments on the ancient Khmer temple with artillery and air attacks, damaging the gateways, statues, northern staircase, and restoration structures. UNESCO condemned these airstrikes as a breach of international law, even though Thailand asserted that only military facilities were bombed.
UNESCO Makes Urgent Appeal to Stop Thailand-Cambodia Clashes
UNESCO has shown serious concern about the ongoing conflict taking place around Preah Vihear Temple. The international organization has appealed to both nations to make urgent efforts and adhere to international obligations regarding cultural preservation. It contains an organization structured with subheads addressing the critical points and central concepts, including India’s reaction, background information on clashes among Hindus and Muslims, importance of the temple site, and UNESCO’s appeal for preservation.
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