Wednesday, May 15, 2024
ADVT 
International

Indian-Americans Urge US Congressman Ro Khanna To Leave Pakistan Caucus

Darpan News Desk IANS, 17 Sep, 2019 10:59 PM

    A record number of 230 Indian-American organisations in the United States have urged Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna to withdraw from the Congressional Caucus on Pakistan, saying it was contrary to both American principles and India's geo-strategic interests.


    Mr Khanna, 42, became the first Indian-American to have joined the Congressional Pakistan Caucus last month. He is also the member Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans, which is the largest country-specific caucus in the House of Representatives.


    In a letter submitted to the Indian-American lawmaker on Monday, Indian-American organisations, professional associations and community leaders urged Mr Khanna to withdraw from the Congressional Pakistan Caucus.


    A copy of the letter was released by the Hindu American Foundation (HAF).


    "As a leading member of the House India Caucus, Foreign Affairs Committee, and a champion of human rights, we are deeply troubled that you joined the Congressional Pakistan Caucus," the letter stated.


    The letter alleged that Pakistan continues to utilise terror to attack US interests in Afghanistan and wage a proxy war against India.


    Pakistan has shown a complete and utter disregard for human rights and religious freedom and was recently labelled as a Country of Particular Concern by the US State Department for its "systematic, ongoing, [and] egregious violations of religious freedom" against Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Shia and Ahmadiyya Muslims, they said.


    "We believe that your membership in this Caucus is contrary to both American principles and our geo-strategic interests in the Indian Subcontinent and the broader South Asian region," the letter said.


    "Accordingly, we urge you to withdraw from the Congressional Pakistan Caucus. We further urge you to write directly to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and meet with (Pakistan) Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan to address Pakistan's ongoing use of terrorism to destabilise the region and its rampant and severe human rights violations," it said.


    The community members also urged Mr Khanna to make a formal statement for the Congressional record, highlighting the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits, who were driven out from their homes by Pakistan-sponsored terror campaign three decades ago.


    The members said that they looked forward to Mr Khanna following through on the assurances he made on Sunday about working to address the suffering of both Indian and Pakistani religious minorities at the hands of the Pakistan government.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Howdy Modi!: Indian Aamericans In Texas Excited About Modi's Visit

    Titled "Howdy Modi!", the event on September 22, hosted by the Texas India Forum, is being promoted as a community summit. It is expected to be the biggest ever gathering of Indian-Americans in the US, The American Bazaar reported on Thursday.

    Howdy Modi!: Indian Aamericans In Texas Excited About Modi's Visit

    Kamala Harris Makes It For Us Prez Debate, Tulsi Gabbard Dropped

    Tulsi Gabbard, the Hindu aspirant for the Democratic Party nomination for the US presidency, has been dropped by the party from the roster of 10 candidates to feature in the next debate, dealing her campaign a setback and dimming its national exposure.

    Kamala Harris Makes It For Us Prez Debate, Tulsi Gabbard Dropped

    Why Is Tim Ryan's 2020 Campaign Selling 'Namaste, America' Shirts?

    Tim Ryan, Ohio Democrat and a 2020 presidential hopeful, has endorsed a grey t-shirt with "Namaste America" written on it, as part of his campaign merchandise amid growing calls for more diversity in US politics, a media report said.    

    Why Is Tim Ryan's 2020 Campaign Selling 'Namaste, America' Shirts?

    Indian-Origin Executive Tarang Katira Jailed For Abusing Partner For Years In UK

    An Indian-origin finance executive has been jailed for 22 months after admitting to a domestic abuse charge in a UK court.  

    Indian-Origin Executive Tarang Katira Jailed For Abusing Partner For Years In UK

    Tulsi Gabbard Says Will Not Run As Independent Presidential Candidate

    Tulsi Gabbard Says Will Not Run As Independent Presidential Candidate
    Tulsi Gabbard, 38, an Iraq war veteran who has been serving as the US Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district since 2013.  

    Tulsi Gabbard Says Will Not Run As Independent Presidential Candidate

    Abducted Pak Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur's Family Asks Imran Khan, Gen Bajwa To Step In

    Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has sought strict action into the abduction of the Sikh girl and her forced conversion to Islam.    

    Abducted Pak Sikh Girl Jagjit Kaur's Family Asks Imran Khan, Gen Bajwa To Step In