LA Hindu Community Rallies In Artesia To Condemn Pahalgam Killings

India-West Staff Reporter

ARTESIA, CA – Despite the rain, angry Hindu Americans came together to protest the heinous killings of Hindu men in Pahalgam on April 26. Community members from around Southern California gathered in the city of Artesia, a popular business hub for Indian shoppers, to express their outrage.

Approximately 100 people participated in the protest rally, which began with a march from the corner of Pioneer Blvd and 183rd Street. The rain stopped just in time for the marchers to proceed.

As they walked along Pioneer Blvd toward the shopping area, they chanted slogans such as Bharat Mata ki Jai, Vande Mataram, and Jai Shri Ram. The march culminated in a stop at the parking lot of a shopping center.

The protest was organized with the collaboration of several local associations. All of them are now planning a protest outside the Pakistan Embassy in Los Angeles on a weekday, as the embassy is closed on weekends.

Vijay Telkikar from the American Hindu Federation spoke out, condemning the terrorists for sinking to the lowest levels of humanity. Other community leaders, including Prof. Keshav Patel (VHPA-LA), Roop Goyal (Hindus of North America), Amrit Nehru and Sanju (two Kashmiri Pandits), Ramjibhai Patel (BAPS), Siya Ram (Kailasa, USA), and Geeta Sikand (Sewa), shared their frustration with the attack and called for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take strong action against Pakistan, who they hold responsible for the attack.

Artesia Police escorted the protestors throughout the event to ensure their safety.