The contemporary attack on the Buddha statutes in Baniyan, Afghanistan near Kabul

The contemporary attack on the Buddha statutes in Baniyan, Afghanistan near Kabul, were destroyed by the Taliban in March 2001. This was considered to be a vandalistic attack by the Taliban on orders from the Leader,. The destruction was a part of the faith of destroying idol worship and there has been worldwide outcry against the destruction. The Taliban proclaimed that this was a part of theworld wide movement against idol worship.

Another historic event was the desecration and the plunder of the somnath temple in Gujarat ,India. This temple was attacked by Mahmud of Ghazni 17 times in order to accumulate the huge wealth of gems and precious stones that were inlaid in the temple. Plundered all its wealth and the temple was totally destroyed. This was ideal example of the worst kinds of sacrilege on temples and holy places of worship. Though the movement of destruction was not against the worship but on greed of the enormous wealth that was seen in the temple. The temple was plundered and razed to the ground and not only was the temple destroyed but the temple was made not fit for prayers. This was a temple that was very holy to the Hindus.

References:

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines01/0301-04.htm