Indian Americans condemn attack on Hindu priest in New York

IAMC welcomes Governor Andrew Cuomo’s move to have state authorities assist in investigation of hate crime

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2019

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC ), an advocacy group dedicated to safeguarding India’s pluralist and tolerant ethos, has expressed unequivocal condemnation for the cowardly attack on Swami Harischander Puri, a Hindu priest based in Queens, NY on July 22, 2019. The attack happened around 11 AM just blocks from the Shiv Shakti Peeth Temple near 85th Ave. on Glen Oaks. Swami Puri, a resident of Queens for 30 years, later said he does not know his attacker, raising the likelihood that he was attacked for his faith and ethnicity, which would be hate crime.

The fact that NYPD made a swift arrest in the case and that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed state authorities to help NYPD investigate it as a hate crime are welcome developments. Although the Swami has forgiven his attacker, the law must take its course, so that justice is served.

“The apparent hate attack on Swami Harish Chander Puri is reflective of the xenophobia and racism that is threatening  our shared American values,” said Mr. Ahsan Khan, President of the Indian American Muslim Council. “We call upon Indian Americans of all faiths, and indeed all people of conscience, to come together to combat bigotry in all its forms, whether it is in India or the United States,” added Mr. Khan.

A delegation of IAMC volunteers from NY/NJ area visited Swami Puri and wished him speedy recovery.

Indian-American Muslim Council is the largest advocacy organization of Indian Muslims in the United States with chapters across the nation. For more information please visit our website at: http://www.iamc.com

References:

https://indianexpress.com/article/world/hindu-priest-attacked-near-temple-in-us-5840096/