Ancient Hindu temple in firing line due to land dispute




Hindus have asked that landmark Preah Vihear Hindu temple complex, cause of an ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, should be turned over to United Nations (UN) control.



Preah Vihear Temple. Photo: Everything Everywhere, Flickr
Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA), said that the 11th century Preah Vihear temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is the moral duty of the world to keep it preserved and intact for coming generations.



Rajan Zed pointed out that frequent clashes between Cambodia and Thailand due to the long-running land feud might further damage the already fragile temple. UN presence would help in protecting the sacred site, and allow easier access and provision of needed facilities to devotees and other visitors. The result of this intervention would bring economic development and investment into the region, clear land-mines and help save lives which are lost due to conflict.
Known as Preah Vihear in Cambodia and Khao Phra Viharn in Thailand, this remote temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, at the border between Thailand and Cambodia, has been a source of tension for generations. It sits in a stunning location high atop a cliff and its history can be traced to the 9th century when the hermitage was founded during the time of the Khmer Empire.
Since its inscription onto the list of World Heritage Sites in 2008 the issue of the land dispute has been re-ignited. In 2009, it was reported that 66 stones at the temple were damaged in the crossfire and there have been ongoing border skirmishes leading to the loss of both military and civilian lives. At present there seems to be no clear solution to the dispute.


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