In a recent development, the South Block, India’s administrative block, has been pushing for the United Nations to recognise Hinduphobia as a crime. However, the ground realities in the United States indicate that the Sikh community is facing the increasing brunt of hate crimes.
According to the FBI’s annual report on hate crimes in the United States, Sikhs were the second most targeted religious group after Jews in 2021. The report revealed that out of the 1,005 hate-motivated crimes recorded in the US in 2021, Sikhs were the target of 214 (21.3%) of them, while Hindus and Muslims made up only 1% and 9.5%, respectively.
The number of hate crimes against Sikhs has been on the rise in recent years. From around 60 incidents reported in 2018, the number increased to 89 in 2020 and jumped to a whopping 214 incidents in 2021. Sikhs have moved from being the third most commonly targeted religious group after Jews and Muslims in the US in 2018 to becoming the second most targeted group four years later. Jews remain the biggest victims of hate crimes in the US.
One of the most tragic incidents in recent years was the shooting at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis on April 16, 2021. A former employee opened fire, resulting in the deaths of eight people, including four Sikhs who were working at the warehouse.
The FBI report also revealed that 10 hate crimes were recorded against Hindus in 2021, while 12 were recorded against Buddhists. However, it is essential to note that the number of hate crimes against Sikhs is disproportionately higher than the number of hate crimes against Hindus and Buddhists.
The rise in hate crimes against Sikhs is a worrying trend, and it is essential for governments worldwide to take note of the issue and take concrete steps to combat it. The Indian government’s push for the United Nations to recognise Hinduphobia as a crime is an important step in this direction. Still, more needs to be done to ensure that the Sikh community and other religious minorities are protected from hate crimes in the United States and other parts of the world.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
