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Indian American muslims join interfaith coalition in protesting Modi’s New York Visit
The protest also emphasized the issue of transnational repression posed by the Modi regime.
The coalition claimed that Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda does not represent the views of the Indian American diaspora and stands contrary to U.S. democratic values. / Courtesy Photo/IAMC
The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC), in collaboration with Reclaiming Democracy in India, a broad interfaith coalition of US-based and international human rights organizations, organized a protest on Sep.22 against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he addressed the Long Island Nassau Coliseum.
The protest was aimed at highlighting concerns regarding the Modi administration's alleged undermining of India’s democracy, persecution of religious minorities, and the broader consequences of these policies on both Indian minorities and critics residing in the U.S.
The coalition claimed that Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda does not represent the views of the Indian American diaspora and stands contrary to U.S. democratic values.
Courtesy/IAMC / The protest also emphasized the issue of transnational repression posed by the Modi regime.IAMC advocacy director Ajit Sahi stressed that Modi’s political future in India is uncertain. "Modi’s days are numbered. It’s not just because of the political opposition. It’s because Modi’s own coalition is breaking apart. A majority of political analysts believe that the BJP will lose a slew of elections across India in the coming months and years,” said Sahi.
“Within the Hindu society in India, everyone sees that Hindu nationalism does not deliver jobs and does not work as a model. We must continue our broader fight against this ideology; we must build bridges and welcome Hindus with love and open arms when they make the journey back to peace and understanding," he added.
Rohan Narine, representing Hindus for Human Rights, warned of the growing influence of Hindu nationalism, stating, "Hindu nationalism’s ultimate goal is to render India a Hindu nation, in which Muslims and Christians are second-class citizens. This ideology has spread its tentacles of hatred across the diaspora and is choking our communities.”
“The Modi government revoked the political autonomy of Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir and instituted the Citizenship Amendment Act, which could be weaponized to strip Muslim Indians of citizenship. Hindus for Human Rights calls on the Hindu diaspora to oppose this fascist ideology," Narine added.
Sana Qutubuddin, a long-time advocate on Indian human rights issues with IAMC, shared concerns about recent events in India. "Just last week, two young men in Assam were killed by the Indian State, with the government declaring they were non-citizens based on their religion. Over 150,000 homes owned by marginalized communities — Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Dalits — have been destroyed by the Modi regime. We need to defend the living vision of India as a home to all."
Lydia Tombing Khuptong, representing the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), expressed grief over the violence in her home state. "More than 360 churches were demolished in Manipur, more than 7,000 homes and properties were burned and looted, and more than 41,000 of our people have been displaced. They do not have their basic rights. Modi was silent all this time. Instead, the chief minister of Manipur and India’s home minister Amit Shah have proposed spending millions to build the wall of India. That is money that could have been used to rebuild Manipur, which they have ignored."
Japneet Singh, founder of the New York Sikh Council, highlighted the potential risks for minority communities in the U.S. "If this could happen to Sikhs living in the United States, imagine what could happen to Muslims, Christians, and Dalits. Imagine being targeted in the country we call home. We already know the ongoing violence in India, what will happen next is the Indian government will take our rights, our lives here."
The protest also emphasized the issue of transnational repression posed by the Modi regime. IAMC executive director Rasheed Ahmed, referencing a recent study by the council, noted, "We cannot ignore that Modi’s hate respects no borders. The more we can grow our opposition domestically, the more we can help hasten the demise of Hindu nationalism abroad."
The protest drew attention from various human rights groups, reflecting growing concerns about India's political trajectory under Modi’s leadership.
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