Team Blitz India
In a letter to the US Department of Justice, five Congress members have highlighted the spate of attacks on Hindu temples in the country, citing “alarming increase in the number of vandalism at the houses of worship across the country” and the resultant anxiety among members of the community.
Democrats Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Ami Bera wrote to the Justice Department voicing concerns over Hindu temples across the US being targeted by pro-Khalistan separatists. These elements even painted temple walls with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.
“Leaders from these impacted communities have expressed there are unfortunately ‘no leads’ on suspects, leaving many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. Our communities remain concerned about law enforcement coordination regarding these bias-motivated crimes, and they are left wondering if there is appropriate federal oversight t o ensure equal protection under the law,” wrote the members of Indian-origin, demanding a briefing from the Justice Department on the increase in such acts of vandalism.
In the latest incidents of arson and hooliganism, miscreants painted pro-Khalistan messages on a temple in Hayward, California in January. Earlier, another temple in Newark had been vandalised with such graffiti.
In 2003, Pro-Khalistani activists were involved in incidents of arson and vandalism at the Indian consulate in San Francisco. In November, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who was then India’s Ambassador to the US, was heckled during his visit to a gurdwara in New York’s Long Island on the occasion of Gurpurab.
A video on the incident later went viral on social media that showed pro-Khalistani elements confronting Ambassador Sandhu. They were speaking about pro-Khalistan elements Hardeep Singh Nijjar and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun – designated as terrorists by India.
President Joe Biden-led administration had responded with outrage and had promised to ensure punishment for those responsible. However, no arrests have been made so far, said reports.
“Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” wrote the US Congress members.
The five lawmakers also pointed out that the frequency of these incidents raises concerns over potential connections and motives. They added that it takes only a few organised acts of hate to spread fear across marginalised communities. Their letter added that it is necessary to combat hatred against all ethnic, racial, religious, and cultural minorities in the US.
