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Hindu American group defends opposition to California transnational repression bill
The AAPILC statement asserts that HAPAC "insinuates" that Bains is associated with or supports terrorism, and further alleges that HAPAC, an organization run by Asian Americans, perpetuates anti-Asian hate.
HAPAC / Image- Facebook (@hinduamericanpac)
The Hindu American Political Action Committee (HAPAC) has expressed strong disapproval in response to a recent public statement by the California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus (AAPILC) that accuses it of mischaracterizing Assembly Bill 3027, which was introduced by Assembly Member Jasmeet Bains.
The AAPILC statement asserts that HAPAC "insinuates" that Bains is associated with or supports terrorism, and further alleges that HAPAC, an organization run by Asian Americans, perpetuates anti-Asian hate. In its rebuttal, HAPAC labeled these allegations as "absurd" and a "vindictive attempt" to smear the organization due to its opposition to the bill.
According to HAPAC, its criticism of AB 3027 is rooted in concerns over the broad definition of "transnational repression" within the bill. HAPAC argues that the bill, while purportedly addressing transnational threats, could be weaponized to stifle education about and advocacy against attacks on Hindu American temples by Khalistan supporters.
HAPAC's stance on the bill comes after the Department of Justice filed charges against two Indian nationals accused of targeting a Khalistan activist in the United States. While HAPAC emphasizes its opposition to transnational repression and supports prosecuting such cases, it maintains that discussing the Khalistan movement’s threats does not fall under the scope of transnational repression.
HAPAC cited a 2021 report from the Hudson Institute, which links the Khalistan movement to over 25,000 deaths and the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985, resulting in 329 deaths. "Speaking out against such threats is not anti-Asian hate," HAPAC stated.
The organization also expressed disappointment in AAPILC's failure to condemn recent anti-Hindu attacks in the U.S., some of which are tied to pro-Khalistan actors. HAPAC referenced incidents including the destruction of Mahatma Gandhi statues and vandalism at Hindu temples. "While AAPILC claims to prioritize combating anti-Asian hate, they have absurdly targeted HAPAC's Asian American volunteers while failing to address these attacks," HAPAC added.
HAPAC called on AAPILC to "do better" in fostering inclusive legislation that protects all Asian American communities, rather than engaging in "personal attacks."
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