California Bill Aims to Protect Sikh Community Amid Rising Concerns of Transnational Repression
Sacramento, California – On a bright August morning, Gurtej Singh Cheema, a 60-year-old retired clinical professor of internal medicine, began his day with prayers at his home in Sacramento. Later, he joined over 150 Sikh Americans at the California State Capitol, advocating for a new bill that many in the Sikh community view as essential for their safety.
California is home to approximately 250,000 Sikhs, making up about 40% of the Sikh population in the United States. This community has deep roots in the state, having settled there over a century ago. However, recent years have seen a troubling rise in attacks and threats against Sikh activists in North America, with allegations that these incidents are orchestrated by the Indian government. This has left many Sikhs feeling vulnerable and questioning the ability of law enforcement to protect them.
Legislative Response to a Growing Threat
The proposed anti-intimidation bill aims to address these concerns by mandating training for law enforcement officers on recognizing and responding to “transnational repression.” This term refers to the tactics employed by foreign governments to intimidate or silence diaspora communities. The training would be developed by California’s Office of Emergency Services, ensuring that officers are equipped to handle such threats effectively.
Democratic State Senator Anna Caballero, the bill’s author, emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “California can’t protect our most vulnerable communities if our officers don’t even recognize the threat.” The bill seeks to fill a critical gap in public safety, providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to identify foreign interference in local communities.
Co-authored by California’s first Sikh Assemblywoman, Jasmeet Bains, and Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, the bill has sparked significant debate within the Indian American community, which is already divided along political lines.
Support and Opposition
Several prominent Sikh advocacy organizations, including the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund, Sikh Coalition, and Jakara Movement, have voiced their support for the bill. Additionally, groups representing other faiths, such as Hindus for Human Rights and the Indian American Muslim Council, have also backed the legislation, as has the California Police Chiefs Association.
Conversely, opposition has emerged from Hindu-American organizations like the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, as well as some Sikh groups, including The Khalsa Today. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has also expressed concerns about the bill’s potential implications for law enforcement practices and the risk of inadvertently targeting specific diaspora communities.
Critics argue that the bill could disproportionately affect Hindu Americans who oppose the Khalistan movement-a campaign advocating for a separate Sikh nation in India. They fear it may deepen biases against India and its diaspora.
A Community United in Urgency
As Cheema stood with fellow Sikh Americans at the state legislature on August 20, the urgency of their cause was palpable. Many had traveled long distances, some even taking time off work to voice their support. Cheema, representing the Capital Sikh Center in Sacramento, articulated the sentiment shared by many: “Any efforts that help a community feel safe, and you are a part of that community – naturally, you would support it.”
The bill’s introduction comes against a backdrop of increasing concerns about transnational repression. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines this phenomenon as actions taken by foreign governments to intimidate or harm members of their diaspora communities in the United States.
Historical Context and Recent Events
The bill is not the first piece of legislation to highlight divisions within the South Asian diaspora in California. Earlier this year, a bill aimed at recognizing caste as a protected category under California’s anti-discrimination laws was vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom after significant lobbying from Hindu-American groups. They argued that existing laws already provided adequate protection against caste-based discrimination.
The current anti-intimidation bill has passed the California Assembly and is set to return to the Senate for a final vote. If approved, it will be sent to Governor Newsom for his signature.
Thomas Blom Hansen, a professor of anthropology at Stanford University, noted that the bill addresses concerns about online harassment and surveillance, often influenced by foreign governments. He emphasized that the legislation does not target any specific country but aims to provide a framework for protecting immigrant communities from harassment.
International Tensions and Local Implications
The backdrop of the bill is particularly relevant given recent international tensions. In 2023, Canada accused India of orchestrating the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, a claim that India has vehemently denied. This incident has strained relations between the two nations and heightened fears among Sikh activists in North America.
Moreover, U.S. prosecutors have accused Indian intelligence agencies of plotting the assassination of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a New York-based Sikh activist. Such incidents have led to warnings for several Sikh activists in both Canada and the U.S. about potential targeting.
Even Assemblywoman Bains has faced intimidation, receiving threats after California recognized the 1984 massacre of Sikhs in India as genocide. This climate of fear underscores the urgency of the proposed legislation.
Concerns About Bias and Misuse
Despite the bill’s intentions, some critics worry it could institutionalize biases against specific communities. Samir Kalra, managing director at the Hindu American Foundation, has been a vocal opponent, arguing that the bill lacks adequate safeguards to prevent law enforcement from targeting individuals based on their country of origin or political beliefs.
Kalra pointed out that many supporters of the bill have focused their comments on India, suggesting that the legislation is primarily aimed at suppressing opposition to the Khalistan movement. He raised concerns about the safety of Hindu Americans reporting incidents of vandalism or harassment, fearing they might be labeled as foreign agents.
However, supporters of the bill, including Harman Singh of the Sikh Coalition, argue that the coalition backing the legislation is diverse, encompassing Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, and immigrant rights organizations. They assert that the training provided to law enforcement will be developed by professionals, not a small group of activists, addressing concerns about bias.
A Call for Protection and Recognition
Rohit Chopra, a communication professor at Santa Clara University, emphasized the importance of the bill in protecting critics of foreign governments from harassment. He believes that even a slight deterrent effect would be beneficial for the community.
As the debate continues, Cheema remains hopeful for the bill’s passage. For him, it represents more than just a legislative measure; it symbolizes recognition and protection for the Sikh community on U.S. soil. “I could be the next victim if law enforcement in my community is not able to recognize foreign interference,” he stated. “If any group feels threatened, then all sections of society should make efforts to protect their people. This reassures me that my voice is being heard.”
Conclusion
The proposed anti-intimidation bill in California highlights the complexities of safeguarding diaspora communities in an increasingly polarized political landscape. As the Sikh community rallies for protection against transnational repression, the outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for the broader Indian American community and the ongoing discourse surrounding identity, safety, and representation in the United States.
