NEW DELHI– India on Friday expressed concern over reports of damage to conservation facilities at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Preah Vihear amid ongoing border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, calling any harm to cultural heritage “unfortunate” and a matter of serious concern.
Responding to media queries, the Ministry of External Affairs said New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation and urged both countries to exercise restraint and take steps toward ending hostilities. India also voiced hope that all necessary measures would be taken to protect the ancient temple complex and its associated conservation infrastructure.
“We have seen reports regarding damage to conservation facilities at Preah Vihear during the ongoing Thai-Cambodia border clashes,” the MEA spokesperson said. “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.”
The spokesperson added that India hopes “all measures will be taken to fully safeguard the site and related conservation facilities,” reiterating its appeal to both sides “to exercise restraint and to take measures for cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation,” and urging a return to dialogue and peace.
The Temple of Preah Vihear, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located on the edge of a plateau overlooking the Cambodian plain. According to UNESCO, the complex consists of a series of sanctuaries connected by pavements and staircases along an 800-meter axis, with origins dating back to the first half of the 11th century.
India’s statement comes as tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated again since Sunday, with both sides accusing each other of initiating the latest round of fighting and confirming casualties.
On Thursday, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said at least 10 Cambodian civilians had been killed and 60 others injured. The casualties included one infant, according to Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, the ministry’s undersecretary of state and spokesperson, speaking at a press briefing.
In a separate statement, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior said more than 56,000 families, totaling around 190,000 people, have fled their homes and taken shelter in safer locations.
On the Thai side, Defence Ministry spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri said nine Thai soldiers have been killed and more than 120 injured in the clashes. He added that nearly 200,000 Thai civilians have sought refuge in camps, with three refugee deaths reported so far and 849 refugee camps established across affected areas. (Source: IANS)
