SALDEF Expresses Grave Concern over Indictment Alleging Indian Government Employee Directed Plot to Assassinate Sikh American

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 29, 2023

Contact:  Amrita Kaur, Director of Communications media@saldef.org | (202) 332-6700

SALDEF Expresses Grave Concern over Indictment Alleging Indian Government Employee Directed Plot to Assassinate Sikh American

Washington, D.C. – Today, SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), a leading advocacy group for the rights of Sikh Americans expressed grave concern over reports that an Indian government employee directed a plot from India to assassinate a Sikh American individual.

“We are deeply disturbed by these reports and the potential threat they pose to the safety of our community. Since 2020, SALDEF has been tracking instances of censorship of diasporic Sikh voices and today’s indictment is not an isolated incident but a part of a broader pattern of silencing Sikh voices,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “If these allegations are true, it would represent a serious violation of international law and be a blatant example of transnational repression.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Nikhil Gupta, an Indian national, was charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire for his alleged role in the plot to kill the Sikh American individual. Gupta is accused of working with an Indian government employee to recruit and pay an assassin to carry out the killing.

On November 22, 2023, following reports of this alleged incident, SALDEF called on the DOJ to increase transparency into the investigation and unseal the indictments in this case. We demand unequivocal cooperation from the Indian government in the DOJ’s investigation and urge the U.S. government to take decisive action against any individuals or entities found to be responsible.

###

About SALDEF 

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is a leading national Sikh American civil rights and advocacy organization based in Washington D.C. SALDEF works to build Sikh American capacity through education, fostering community, and civic engagement. By engaging with federal and state leaders, publishing critical policy reports, placing Sikh Americans in government and advocacy internships across the nation, and more, SALDEF is paving a brighter path for future generations. Learn more at www.saldef.org

For Immediate Release
November 22, 2023

SALDEF Urges DOJ to Unseal Indictment on the Recent Attempted Attack on a Sikh American

Washington, D.C. – There have been recent reports of U.S. authorities disclosing an alleged attempted attack by the Indian Government on a Sikh American on American soil. If true, the alleged involvement of the Indian Government in threatening the safety of the Sikh diaspora would fall into a recurring pattern of transnational repression, including allegations of threats against Sikhs in the United States documented by the FBI earlier this year. 

As a leading Sikh American advocacy organization, we strongly believe in upholding American values including freedom of speech and the civil rights and liberties of all Sikh Americans.  In America, peaceful freedom of speech and the right to live a life of dignity are pillars of our democracy. The plan to attack a Sikh American on American soil would be yet another example of the Indian Government’s encroachment on the rights of the Sikh Diaspora. SALDEF continues to follow up with the FBI, White House, DHS, Congress, and DOJ as we closely monitor the situation and ensure the safety of all Sikh Americans is prioritized. 

“We are encouraged that the United States government is escalating this diplomatically. Sikh Americans demand full transparency regarding the safety of our community,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director. “We urge the Department of Justice to unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators related to this most recent incident.”

SALDEF calls on the Department of Justice and the United States government to:

  • Unseal the indictment of the alleged perpetrators. The Sikh American community deserves full transparency regarding the safety of our lives. 
  • Urge the Indian government to cease its alleged persecution of Sikhs and minorities in America. 
  • Work with the Canadian government to hold the perpetrators of Nijjar’s murder accountable. 
  • Reassure the Sikh American and other Indian minority communities that their civil rights of peaceful free speech and safety will be protected. 

SALDEF is available for comment at kiran@saldef.org

“SB403 is a crucial piece of legislation that will protect vulnerable communities from discrimination and foster a more equitable California. We are proud to stand alongside our coalition partners in advocating for the passage of this historic bill. Caste-based discrimination is especially prevalent in South Asian communities in America, but this bill sets a national example for expanding civil rights and the American values of liberty and justice for all.”

Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF Executive Director

Uniting Against Caste Discrimination

SALDEF joins the Californians for Caste Equity Coalition of civil rights organizations, state legislators, and community advocates to celebrate the rapid passage of California State Bill SB403. The anti-caste discrimination bill just passed its final procedural step, with the California Senate casting a successful final concurrence vote. Now, the coalition calls on Governor Newsom to swiftly sign the bill.

 

SB403 seeks to combat caste discrimination and strengthen protections for marginalized communities across the state. State Senator Wahab, the lead author of the bill, joined caste equity civil rights activists and organizations from across the country—including the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and Equality Labs—in their united effort to promote equality and justice for California’s caste-oppressed community.

 

Stay Up to Date on How We Are Making Civil Rights History:

Countering Mis- and Dis- Information

SALDEF ran digital ads (below) to counteract mis- and dis- information being spread about SB403 in the Yuba City region of California. Over the course of 2 weeks, the ad was viewed about 15,000 times with a 60% completion rate. Versions of the ad included both English and Punjabi to be more accessible to sangat members who were most vulnerable to disinformation.

On May 18, 2023, anti-bullying nonprofit Act To Change rallied the nation in commemorating the fifth Annual National Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Day Against Bullying and Hate. SALDEF is committed to ending bullying and hate in the AAPI community and is proud to join over 100 organizations and over 40 cities, states and jurisdictions in this movement.

Act To Change’s commemoration on May 18 was part of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and marks the birthday of Vincent Chin. In 1982, Chin was falsely blamed for the layoffs in the auto industry, and brutally murdered in a racial hate crime. He lost his life simply because he was Asian. Chin’s death launched the modern Asian American movement, and we’re proud to join Act To Change in continuing this movement.

America has a longstanding history of anti-AAPI racism and violence especially with post 9/11 stereotyping, COVID-19 fueled hate crimes, the use of the “model minority” myth, and the 2023 exclusionary land purchase laws. AAPIs are continually portrayed as the “perpetual foreigner” and AAPI youth grow up feeling the need to prove their Americanness. Sikh turbans are often misconstrued by others to be symbols of hate. Educating the American public about who we are, and standing up against bullying and hate will make sure that AAPI communities’ voices are heard.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a staggering rise in verbal and physical violence against people of AAPI descent, with nearly 12,000 incidents reported to Stop AAPI Hate. The most vulnerable communities, including youth and elders, bore the brunt of this violence, and AAPI youth continue to become targets of ridicule, social isolation and physical violence in schools. Cyberbullying is another worrying issue, contributing to low self-esteem, social anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. SALDEF strongly condemns any acts of bullying or harassment and has created a guide for Sikh parents on how to address school bullying with their children.

All communities of color, including AAPIs, are disproportionately impacted by gun violence. The mass shootings this year in Allen, Monterey Park and Half Moon Bay, along with near-daily school shootings force our communities to live in fear. The Sikh American community has dealt with tragedies such as Oak Creek, and the Fed Ex mass shooting in Indianapolis which has left devastating and lasting impressions on all of us.

The National AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate is a celebration of AAPI youth. AAPI youth continue to organize within their schools communities, and fight bullying with awareness, art, creativity and compassion for each other. Act To Change’s Youth Ambassadors and Homeroom Anti-Bullying Workshop participants lead exceptional programming and workshops among their peers. AAPI youth grow up to become exceptional leaders, and inspire the nation.

The AAPI community continues to face an epidemic of hate and violence. We stand in solidarity with the AAPI community, and publicly denounce all forms of bullying and hate. We stand in solidarity with Act To Change and numerous community partners to encourage the public to foster dialogue, share resources, and end bullying and hate.

SALDEF Investigates Decrease in Reported Anti-Sikh Incidents in Updated FBI Hate Crime Data

IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2023
Contact: Jyot Singh | Research and Policy Manager | jyot.singh@saldef.org

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released an updated 2021 national hate crime report, documenting 185 incidents of anti-Sikh hate crimes. While the vast majority of targeted groups saw an increase that corrected for the underreporting in the first release, the Sikh community  had 30 fewer incidents reported in the updated statistics, down from 214.

“We are gravely concerned that, in a side-by-side comparison of the original and updated hate crime data which corrects for underreporting, every non-Christian religious group saw an increase in reported incidents–except Sikh Americans. We are reaching out to the Department of Justice and other agencies to understand why correcting for underreporting resulted in 30 incidents of anti-Sikh hate disappearing,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF). “While 185 incidents is still extremely significant, we are working to understand why our community–which has historically high bias and hate incidents per capita year-over-year–has been the only one with such a significant reduction.” 

The original 2021 hate crime report released in December 2022 did not include data from at least 22% of law enforcement agencies across the country, including those in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Phoenix (all areas with significant Sikh populations). This new dataset intends to fill those gaps in data, and overall does show significantly higher numbers of incidents across the board.

“The updated data to correct for underreporting reflect a 13.6% decrease in the reported number of anti-Sikh hate crimes. We are alarmed by this discrepancy, and we look forward to  conversations to determine the exact cause of this and to prevent erasure of our community in future federal hate crimes data,” continued Gill.

Governor Signs Bill Requiring Educators to Provide Anti-Bullying Materials

Sikh Americans in California commend Governor Jerry Brown, who recently signed a historic bill to counter school bullying. The Safe Place to Learn Act will now protect Sikh, Muslim, and other students when they are harassed in schools.

The legislation (AB 2845) will require the California Department of Education to assess whether schools adequately provide information to educators and community members regarding students who are subject to discrimination and bullying based on actual or perceived religious affiliation.

“When we reached out to Sikh Americans in California to contact their elected officials, they responded,” said SALDEF Executive Director Deepinder Singh. “We’ll use the momentum from this legislative victory to continue expanding our work so every student can achieve their full potential without fear of harassment.”

AB 2845 was introduced by Assemblymember Das Williams. SALDEF advocated for its passage as part of a diverse coalition that includes Asian Americans Advancing Justice – California, Council on American-Islamic Relations, California Chapter, and the Sikh Coalition.

The bill also requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to post anti-bullying resources related to affiliation or perceived affiliation with any religion, nationality, race, or ethnicity on its website.

If you have any questions about bullying and harassment in schools, please email info@saldef.org or call our national office at 202-393-2700. Thank You

Who can make the Sikh American voice heard? You. ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 8—Register to Vote Today! Protect Your Rights on Election Day Voter Rights Information – in English and Punjabi Voter Protection Hotline and Legal Aid – Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights 1-866-OUR-VOTE Quarter Sheet handouts (in English & Punjabi) – Full page (four to a page) and 4.25″x5.5″ You can do a lot in your own community to empower Sikhs across America. One of the easiest things to do is encouraging people to vote. Why should you? In 1923 the Supreme Court said Sikh Americans could not become citizens — we could not vote and were denied a voice in our country. Today, we have the right to vote, the right to share our voice and determine the direction of our nation. By voting, we can influence the decisions our elected officials make which impact our rights. Increasing the number of Sikh Americans registered to vote is one of the best ways to build and strengthen our community’s voice, presence and political capacity. But how do you do it? Join SikhVOTE! Volunteer at a registration drive or register new Sikh American voters at your local Gurdwara and encourage registered Sikh Americans to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015. You will find a series of tools and information updated through Election Day for you to use. If you have any questions, send us an email. Tools & Resources SikhVOTE Voter Registration Toolkit Online Registration Widget Calendar, Deadlines & State Information Resources SikhVOTE Voter Registration Toolkit SikhVOTE Volunteer Voter Registration Toolkit – download here Election Day & Know Your Rights Poster (in English & Punjabi) – download here Survey & Pledge to Vote – download here Email Sign Up Sheet – download here Voter Rights Information – in English and Punjabi Quarter Sheet handouts (in English & Punjabi) – Full page (four to a page) and 4.25″x5.5″ Sample gurdwara announcement (in English & Punjabi) – download here Online Registration Widget Want to put an online registration widget on your website? Get it here.     Resources National Voter Registration Form – http://www.eac.gov/voter_resources/register_to_vote.aspx Instructions for the National Voter Registration Form in Punjabi (unofficial) – download here Absentee Ballot Information – http://www.longdistancevoter.org/absentee_ballots State Specific Information – http://www.rockthevote.com/election-center/ Voter Protection Hotline, Legal Aid, and Resources – http://www.866ourvote.org/ State Voter ID Laws – http://www.ncsl.org/legislatures-elections/elections/voter-id.aspx APALC – www.apalc.org APIAVote – www.apiavote.org 18 Million Rising – www.18mr.org SikhVOTE is a project of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) with the purpose of empowering Sikh American voters. SALDEF is a 501(c)3 non-partisan organization that does not advocate on behalf of any party, candidate, or campaign. Use of these materials does not constitute an endorsement by SALDEF.

As an advocate for the Sikh American community, I appreciate your coverage of a challenging and troubling time for one of our community members in Sterling [“Words and action,” Metro, March 26]. However, the article made two assertions that must be addressed. First, it was stated that Sikhism “was formed 300 years ago to oppose Muslim rule in South Asia.” The founding of the faith is generally accepted as occurring more than 500 years ago, with the birth of the first Sikh spiritual teacher, Guru Nanak, in 1469. More important, though, the religion was in no way “founded to oppose Muslim rule.” Instead, Sikhism was founded to spread a message of peace and unity among all members of society regardless of their religion. In fact, the Sikh holy scriptures contain verses composed by both Hindu and Muslim saints. Secondly, the title of the article and tone in general conveys a stronger than necessary immigrant theme to the story. The family targeted by the death-threat letter was not a recent immigrant family, and it should be noted that Sikhs first immigrated to the United States more than 100 years ago.

Despite the challenges highlighted in the article, Sikhs more readily identify themselves as Sikh Americans than as Indian Sikhs. This is partly due to the human rights violations Sikhs have faced in India over the past few decades and to the obvious fact that they live in America and share the ideals and culture of their American neighbors. Jasjit Singh, Washington The writer is associate executive director of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund. Available at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/sikhisms-message-is-one-of-inclusion/2012/04/13/gIQAlKE5FT_story.html

SALDEF Conducts Cultural Awareness Presentation for Baltimore Office of EEOC

On March 28th, SALDEF conducted a cultural awareness presentation for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) District Office in Baltimore, MD. The entire Baltimore staff was invited to attend. Participants were informed about the Sikh faith and religious practices through these trainings, along with providing recommendations for interacting with the Sikh American community. SALDEF staff discussed the various employment related challenges faced by the Sikh American community and shared examples of cases from different industries and professions. SALDEF believes that through these trainings, employment discrimination cases against Sikh Americans will be more effectively and efficiently handled.

To read about our recent engagement with EEOC offices in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, click here.

SALDEF Attends Congressional Forum About Racial Profiling and Shooting of Trayvon Martin

On March 28, SALDEF staff attended a Congressional Forum addressing racial profiling, federal hate crimes enforcement and issues surrounding the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, in an effort to support the call for a full investigation by the Department of Justice into this tragic death.

On February 26 2012, Trayvon Martin, 17, was walking in a gated neighborhood in Sanford, Florida. He was returning to his father’s house after buying a bag of candy and a can of iced tea from a local convenience store. George Zimmerman, a neighborhood crime watch volunteer, said Martin looked “suspicious” and decided to follow and confront Martin against the instructions of a 911 police dispatcher. The exact chain of events following this confrontation is not fully known. What is known, however, is that Zimmerman shot and killed Martin. Although a homicide occurred, the Sanford Police Department chose not to press charges or arrest Zimmerman because he claimed he shot Martin in self defense.

Many argue that Martin was racially profiled and targeted because of the way he looked – the color of his skin, and the clothes he was wearing. SALDEF believes racial profiling is wrong and ineffective. Support the End Racial Profiling Act here by notifying your Senator/Congressman.

SALDEF Joins Other Organizations in Support of Immigration and Civil Rights

SALDEF joined the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Southern Poverty Law Center and over 100 other local and national civil rights and faith groups, have signed-on to an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief argues that Arizona’s S.B. 1070, an anti-immigration bill, and copycat bills passed in other states, fundamentally conflicts with federal law and would have an unprecedented negative impact on the lives of American citizens and lawful permanent residents, as well as many others living in the U.S. legally.  Recounting real-life examples, the brief documents how law-abiding Americans, particularly minorities, will now be subject to constant scrutiny, lengthy detentions, and false arrests.

Additionally, SALDEF has signed-on to a letter drafted by the Rights Working Group asking Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice to revise the June 2003 Guidance Regarding the Use of Race by Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. The June 2003 Guidance is in need of revision as it does not prohibit profiling based on religion or national origin and contains loopholes in the context of border and national security.

2012 Sikh American Pocket Calendars Still Available

This handy resource can be used in your local community to educate and increase awareness of Sikhs and Sikhi.  The calendars feature full-color images of Sikh Americans, along with examples of core Sikh values and facts about Sikhs in the United States. On the inside, the cards have a 2012 calendar in an easy-to-use design. Sikhs across the nation have distributed them at their workplace, schools, convenience stores, gas stations, taxi cabs, senior citizens centers, and public libraries. The calendars are available in bundles of 100 for $10 plus shipping and handling.  .

SALDEF Invited by DHS Secretary to Participate in Faith Based Advisory Council

At the request of Secretary Napolitano, a faith based advisory council comprised of leaders from state and local government, the private sector, and academia was created to provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on matters related to homeland security. The Council has been tasked to explore current and potential security enhancement opportunities and methods between DHS and the faith-based communities. It will address how DHS can best support local security officers and organizations” efforts to keep faith-based communities safe, secure, and resilient.

SALDEF Conducts Training of Transit Police Academy in Massachusetts Bay

On March 28, 2012, SALDEF conducted a training for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority Policy Academy (MBTA). The MBTA provides law enforcement services to designated areas within all public transportation associated areas and is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the country.  More than 50 members of the service were in attendance and received the training.  SALDEF recognizes and specially thanks Jaswant Singh Chani as a dedicated SALDEF volunteer and Law Enforcement Trainer.

SALDEF Attends White House Event With First Lady
SALDEF was invited to attend the Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC on March 27th. 100 years ago, First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese Ambassador to the United States, planted the first cherry blossom trees in Washington, DC.  The 3,000 trees were presented to the country as gift symbolizing the friendship between the United States and Japan. First Lady Michelle Obama joined Japanese Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, and President Taft’s great-grandson William H. Taft IV at the Tidal Basin to plant a new cherry blossom sapling.  The First Lady spoke of her hope that this friendship between the United States and Japan could be celebrated again one hundred years from now.

Interested in Working in the World of Intelligence?

Interested in obtaining an exciting job that requires a security clearance? CAPAL and the Sejong Society will be holding an informative discussion with representatives from the CIA, other government agencies, and private sector organizations in order to provide interested individuals with necessary information on how to apply and acquire such jobs. These agencies will also have job recruiters present and will be collecting resumes. Please RSVP if you plan to attend the event by Tuesday April 10 by clicking here. The event is on Thursday April, 12 from 6-8:30 pm at the Johns Hopkins SAIS in Washington, DC.

Upcoming Events

  • April 18 — Dept. of Justice Training– Lexington, KY
  • April 22 — Bullying Workshop, Khalsa Care Foundation — Los Angeles, CA
  • May 6 — Know Your Rights Forum — San Jose, CA
  • May 13 — Know Your Rights Forum — Seattle, WA
  • May 25-28th — SikhLEAD Leadership Development Program Retreat — Los Angeles, CA

Virginia Family Receives Death-Threat Because of Religion: SALDEF Calls Upon FBI and Local Officials to Investigate Hate Incident (3/2/12, Washington, DC)— This past Tuesday, February 28, 2012, a Sikh American family from Sterling, Virginia received a letter containing death threats addressed to ‘Turban Family’.  The text of the letter was as follows: “Our People in the neighborhood have been closely watching your activities and figured out you are a close associate of a secret Taliban movement on the US Soil. We ask you to leave the country as soon as possible otherwise one of our people is going to shoot you dead. Don’t attempt to relocate somewhere else in America as people are closely monitoring your day to day activities.“ This family has been the target of previous hate crimes.  In 2003, while living in Gaithersburg, Maryland their home was vandalized with graffiti and they received two threatening letters.  In 2005, after moving to Leesburg, Virginia, they received two more death threats via mail.  The FBI apprehended a suspect in the 2005 case. SALDEF has been in contact with the FBI and local law enforcement and urges them to fully investigate this incident as a hate crime. “The death threat that this family received runs counter to the American ideals of freedom of religion, tolerance, and acceptance. Incidents like these are constant reminders of the challenges that Sikh Americans face as a result of their unique identity. Unfortunately, Sikh Americans often face acts of discrimination, violence, and harassment due to ignorance,” said SALDEF Associate Executive Director, Jasjit Singh. “We call upon local and federal law enforcement agencies to classify this incident as a hate crime and bring the perpetrators to justice to show that acts of hate and threats of violence are not tolerated in our society.” —END—