India on Wednesday expressed concern over reports about the demolition of a Hindu deity’s statue near the Cambodia-Thailand border amid the conflict between the two countries, saying that such “disrespectful acts hurt the sentiments of followers around the world”.

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement that such acts should not take place, notwithstanding territorial claims.

The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand stems from a territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-km border. Several ancient temple ruins are located in the region.

The long-standing border reignited this month, leading to more than 40 deaths and over a million persons getting displaced, AFP reported. Both sides have blamed the other for instigating the fresh fighting and attacking civilians.

Amid the dispute, Cambodia accused Thailand of destroying the statue of the Hindu deity Vishnu in the disputed area, the news agency reported. Videos of an excavator demolishing the statue were widely shared on social media.

Kim Chanpanha, a Cambodian government spokesperson in the border province Preah Vihear, said that the statue, built in 2014, “was inside our territory in the An Ses area”, AFP reported.

The demolition occurred on Monday about 100 metres from the border with Thailand, he added.

“We condemn the destruction of ancient temples and statues that are worshipped by Buddhist and Hindu followers,” the news agency quoted Chanpanha as saying.

On Wednesday, Jaiswal said that “Hindu and Buddhist deities are deeply revered and worshipped by people across the region, as part of our shared civilisational heritage”.

He added: “We once again urge the two sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy, to resume peace and avoid any further loss of lives, and damage to property and heritage.”

The border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia had erupted in July. However, both countries agreed on a ceasefire that month, which was brokered by United States President Donald Trump.

But the fighting resumed in December.