In a shocking act of vandalism, the serene tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic leader revered as the 'Father of the Nation', has been marred. Reports emerging from Italy indicate that the freshly inaugurated bust of Mahatma Gandhi fell victim to desecration merely hours after its unveiling.
The timing of this reprehensible act is particularly poignant, as it precedes the highly anticipated G7 summit. World leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are set to convene, and this incident casts a dark shadow over the diplomatic proceedings expected to unfold in the coming days.
Sources reveal that the perpetrators behind this act are purportedly linked to pro-Khalistani groups. Alongside defacing the statue, they daubed graffiti, prominently displaying references to Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a figure associated with the Khalistan movement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, slated to attend the G7 summit, is now set to confront this unfortunate episode during his visit to Italy. This will mark his first international engagement following his re-election to office for a third term.
As condemnation reverberates globally, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges posed by extremism and intolerance, even in the heart of nations known for their reverence for peace and pluralism. The desecration of a symbol as universally revered as Mahatma Gandhi underscores the importance of collective efforts to safeguard the values he espoused.
Authorities are actively investigating the incident, with calls for swift and decisive action against those responsible. As preparations for the G7 summit continue amidst this unsettling development, the international community remains vigilant, reaffirming its commitment to uphold principles of respect, harmony, and mutual understanding.