April 2, 2024
2 mins read

Calls for Updates on Temple Attack Investigations in US Congress

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in January, just a few weeks after similar graffiti was noted on a temple in Newark, also in California…reports Yaswant Raj

 US Congress’ five Indian-descent members on Monday demanded a briefing from the Justice Department on the spate of vandalism at Hindu temples across the country, some of whom were left with pro-Khalistan and anti-India graffiti.

“Attacks at mandirs from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among Hindu Americans,” the five members wrote in a joint letter.

“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 to ensure equal protection under the law.”

Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi is leading the initiative, his office said.

The other four are Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera and Shri Thanedar.

“The number of incidents and the closeness of the timing of incidents raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent behind them,” the members said further.

“It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear within a community that has often been marginalised or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America. We, therefore, request that you provide us with an understanding of what the Department’s strategy is specifically concerning hate crimes targeting Hindus in the US.”

A Hindu temple in Hayward, California, was defaced with pro-Khalistan graffiti in January, just a few weeks after similar graffiti was noted on a temple in Newark, also in California.

“With at least two incidents recorded in the last couple of weeks, attacks on Hindu temples by Khalistani separatists are seemingly on the rise,” the Hindu American Foundation, an advocacy group had said in a statement at the time.

Pro-Khalistani activists were involved in the two incidents of arson and vandalism at the Indian consulate in San Francisco in 2023.

While US President Joe Biden-led administration had responded with outrage promising to punish those responsible, no arrests have been made yet.

ALSO READ: US-Led Airstrikes Pound Houthi Targets

Previous Story

Vibrant Cold Brews to Brighten Your Celebration

Next Story

BJP, Shiv Sena Deadlock Over Maharashtra Lok Sabha Seats

Latest from -Top News

Deadly Fever Grips Senegal

Currently, there is no vaccine or antiviral treatment approved for human use against RVF. Senegal is facing a growing public health emergency as the death toll from a Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Protest Crackdown in Abidjan

The protest ban came just a day before the planned march, with the prefect of Abidjan declaring all gatherings illegal to “preserve public order” ahead of the polls. Authorities in Ivory Coast

Seychelles Chooses Herminie

Herminie’s win gives his United Seychelles party full control of government after it reclaimed a parliamentary majority during last month’s general elections. Seychelles’s opposition leader, Patrick Herminie, has emerged victorious in the

Fragile Peace Returns to Gaza

Carrying bags, blankets, and a few salvaged belongings, families walked through the dusty highway under the afternoon sun. Many pushed carts or led donkeys loaded with what was left of their possessions.

Egypt to Host Gaza Peace Talks

Cairo summit aims to end war and open a new chapter for regional stability. The summit will gather leaders and senior officials from more than 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France,
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Cold wave grips Delhi: Flights, trains delayed

The minimum temperature in Delhi on Sunday morning was recorded

IAF Bolsters Firepower with 12 New Su-30 Aircraft

The DAC headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded its