Indian American lawmakers seek statistics regarding hate crimes against Hindus in US
Lawmakers of Indian origin demand FBI and DOJ briefing
Washington DC (USA) – Hate crimes against Hindus and vandalism of Hindu temples have been on the rise in the US in recent times. Five American lawmakers of Indian origin have demanded a comprehensive briefing from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the investigative agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by 18th April on the incidents that took place this year.
The lawmakers – Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, Pramila Jayapal and Ami Bera – have expressed their concerns in a letter addressed to Kristen Clarke of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
The letter says that “Attacks on Hindu temples from New York to California have contributed to increased collective anxiety among the Hindu Americans. No leads on the suspects have left many to continue to live in fear and intimidation. We must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in the US. 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 United States”.
The Congressmen added, “The number of incidents and the closeness of their timing raise troubling questions about linkages and the intent behind them. It takes relatively few coordinated acts of hate to create fear nationally within a community that has often been marginalized or neglected, and we must work collaboratively to combat hate against all religious, ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities in America”.
Some attacks on Hindu temples in the US
1. In early 2024, pro-Khalistan slogans were written on the Sherawali Temple in the Bay Area of California.
2. A few days before this, another incident of theft also took place in the Shiva Durga Temple in California.
3. Swaminarayan Temple in California was also attacked at the same time.
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