U.S. Lawmakers Denounce Indian Flag Tearing In Texas

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Six Indian American members of the U.S. House of Representatives have strongly condemned the tearing of an Indian flag during an immigration-related protest outside Frisco City Hall in Texas and expressed solidarity with Indian Americans.

Democratic Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi of Illinois, Ami Bera of California, Pramila Jayapal of Washington, Ro Khanna of California, Shri Thanedar of Michigan and Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia issued a joint statement after a demonstrator tore the Indian flag during a protest that included anti-India chants and rhetoric.

“We strongly support the constitutional right to freedom of expression for all Americans. At the same time, we condemn the tearing of an Indian flag outside Frisco City Hall alongside hateful anti-India rhetoric, which continues to fuel anti-Indian violence and xenophobia. Acts of hate and intimidation targeting any community are unacceptable and have no place in our country,” the lawmakers said.

“The Indian American community is an important part of our nation and deserves to feel safe and respected. As Indian Americans and South Asian Americans face harassment, xenophobia and hateful rhetoric, leaders must speak clearly: hate targeting any community cannot be tolerated or ignored,” the statement said.

The members of Congress also reaffirmed their support for Indian Americans in Texas and across the United States.

“We stand in solidarity with the Indian American community in Frisco and across the country. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and safety, free from fear, harassment and discrimination,” they said. (IANS)