New Delhi: American civil society organisations has lodged a protest with the New York Governor and Mayor, objecting to the inclusion of an “anti-Muslim” float depicting the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in the upcoming India Day parade.
Last month, the Federation of Indian Associations NY-NJ-CT-NE announced at a curtain-raiser event that a tableau showcasing the Ayodhya Ram Mandir would be the centrepiece of the August 18 India Day parade, an annual event celebrating Indian Independence Day. The press conference was hosted at the Consulate General of India in New York.
The letter, signed by 22 civil society organisations, was addressed to New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. Among the prominent groups supporting the letter are the Indian American Muslim Council, several chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Hindus for Human Rights, Federation of Indian American Christian Organisations of North America, New York State Council of Churches, Genocide Watch, Dalit Solidarity Forum, Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus, Sikh Coalition, and Ambedkar King Study Circle.
“The proposed float for the parade is a blatant attempt to glorify the illegal demolition of the historical Babri Mosque and celebrate ongoing violence and terror against 200 million Indian Muslims. This is not merely a cultural display but a vulgar celebration of anti-Muslim hate, bigotry, and religious supremacy,” the organisations wrote.
The letter emphasised that “allowing such a hateful and bigoted celebration in NYC is an affront to American values and to harmony and peaceful coexistence among our diverse communities”.
Additionally, the organisations stated that it “emboldens Hindu extremists to advance their supremacist agenda in the United States and glorifies acts of violence injustice and discrimination against Muslims”.
“We implore you to take immediate and decisive measures to prevent the inclusion of a polarising and divisive float in the parade. It is imperative to protect our diverse communities from such divisive and inflammatory actions and ensure that New York remains a safe and welcoming place for all its residents,” the signatories urged.
The letter highlighted that the event is being organised by the “far-right” Hindu group Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), the overseas chapter of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which the CIA’s World Factbook has designated as a “militant religious organisation”.
It also pointed out that another organiser, Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is “under active FBI investigation for forced labour and exploitation of low-caste laborers from India”.
The Middle East Eye had contacted the office of the New York Mayor for comment. While the spokesperson did not specify whether any action would be taken in response to the letter, they told MEE, “From day one, Mayor Adams has been clear that celebrations in our city should be welcoming and inclusive”.
The spokesperson further added, “Ethnic parades allow communities to honour the roots of their ancestors as well as celebrate their cultures that make up New York City’s rich melting pot … the emphasis of the mayor has always been community first, to respect and honour the grace that entails and come together as one – setting politics aside”.
