FOC India
BJP MP Shri Tarun Vijay recently visited Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple, which is now under threat and is to be destroyed under heavy shelling by Thai army. He worshipped at this ancient Shiva temple, which is said to be built between 9th and 12th century.
Originally known as Shikhareshwar Temple, it is situated on a mesmerisingly picturesque mountain just on Thai-Cambodian border. Though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has given its verdict in favour of Cambodia and recently the UNESCO also declared it a world heritage site, the Thai authorities are claiming it. There have been a number of incidents involving heavy shelling by Thai army causing serious damage to many of the gopurams of the temple. The temple is closed for tourists for the last three years.
Shri Vijay was greeted by Governor of Preah Vihear HE Oum Mara and senior officials of the APSARA Authority of Cambodia, the highest government body to take care of Ang Kor Wat including its Director General, who briefed him about the real situation and also the decision of ICJ. Prof S Sahai, a senior scholar and world renowned researcher who has done extensive work on Preah Vihear temple, provided him all the background material on the temple.
Such a world heritage should not become a controversy and it needs world attention and collective will to preserve and safeguard the world’s most valuable heritage, said Shri Vijay who was invited to Phnom Penh to attend a meeting of distinguished diplomats and guests. The meeting was addressed by Deputy Prime Minister HE Sok An on the issue of preservation and safeguarding Preah Vihear world heritage. Shri Vijay said any damage to Preah Vihear temple is a crime against humanity.
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