The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) has strongly condemned what it describes as an orchestrated campaign of misinformation and hate targeting Hindu American communities.
According to CoHNA, the attacks are being led by extremist groups, including the transnational group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), which has intensified its threats against Hindus in the U.S. by spreading baseless accusations of disloyalty among "Indo American Hindus."
“This echoes the insidious trope of dual loyalty that has historically been used to scapegoat and marginalize minorities in the U.S. We must challenge this narrative in the 21st century and protect the rights of all Americans,” said Nikunj Trivedi, president of CoHNA.
The statement from CoHNA comes after a recent incident where a coalition of Islamist organizations and Hindus for Human Rights called for an investigation into Indian American groups for featuring a float depicting a sacred Hindu temple at the NYC India Day Parade, labeling it an "anti-Muslim" symbol. Trivedi denounced this as a "provocative stance" that undermines the cultural celebrations of Hindus.
CoHNA claims that the targeting of Hindu advocacy organizations is part of a broader, coordinated effort involving various groups, including the Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University, Professor Audrey Truschke of Rutgers University, and SFJ. They allege that these groups are participating in a concerted campaign to undermine Hindu American organizations, with support from fringe figures known for anti-Hindu rhetoric.
The involvement of Khalistani extremists in hate crimes against American Hindus, including acts of vandalism against Hindu temples and attacks on Gandhi statues, has been documented, according to CoHNA. They argue that this is part of a growing trend of Hinduphobia, bolstered by academic and media platforms.
Earlier this year, CoHNA opposed California's proposed bill AB3027, which it argued could provide institutional cover for the harassment of Hindus. Despite these challenges, the organization said it remains committed to advocating against Hinduphobia and defending the rights and religious freedoms of Hindus in America.
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