What did India say about famous Preah Vihear Templ on Cambodia and Thailand border?
India has expressed concern over the damage to conservation facilities amid the ongoing conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs appealed for the safety of Preah Vihear Temple and urged both countries to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions.
Preah Vihear is an ancient Hindu temple built by the Khmer Empire on top of a 525-metre (1,722 ft) cliff in the Dângrêk Mountains, in Cambodia.
The Temple of Preah Vihear, a unique architectural complex of a series of sanctuaries linked by a system of pavements and staircases on an 800 metre long axis, is an outstanding masterpiece of Khmer architecture, in terms of plan, decoration and relationship to the spectacular landscape environment.
A matter of concern: MEA
Responding to media questions about the damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Reports of damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear during the Thailand-Cambodia border conflict have come to our notice. Any such damage is unfortunate and a matter of concern."
A statement issued by the ministry said, "Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cultural heritage shared by all humanity. India has long supported its conservation and hopes that the site and its associated facilities will be fully protected."
This statement comes at a time when conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has flared up again this week.
Both countries have accused each other of instigating the violence.
Prakash Kumar Pandey