Hindu Groups Oppose US Transnational Repression Bill; Sikhs Targeted in NZ

The Hindu Indian diaspora in the US has expressed serious concern over the rapid advancement of a California Senate Bill, SB 509. The bill addresses 'transnational repression' and is seen by Coalition of Hindus of North America and the Hindu American Foundation as a 'potential threat to the civil liberties and safety of minority communities.' The California senate has passed the bill, authored by Senator Anna Caballero and co-authored by Assembly members Esmeralda Soria and Jasmeet Kaur Bains. Bains is the first Sikh-American in the California Assembly. The bill aims to train California law enforcement to detect tactics used by foreign governments to silence diaspora voices, including digital surveillance, coercion, and intimidation. Its momentum grew after the US Department of Justice accused a former Indian intelligence official of plotting to assassinate Sikh separatist leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Meanwhile, On 16 Jun, the US issued a Level-2 travel advisory for India, asking travelers to 'exercise increased caution' due to crime and terrorism threats. The advisory stated, 'Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations.' In New Zealand, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, along with his followers, held a march in central Auckland, claiming that 'the spread of non-Christian religions is now out of control.' The Faith, Flag, and Family march was organized by Destiny Church against immigration and non-Christian religions. Tamaki also targeted Sikhs claiming 'they no longer employ Kiwis.' In another incident, a man is on the run after attacking a person at a South Auckland Gurdwara and injuring a bystander who tried to break up the assault. Police say they are not treating the crime as hate-motivated but would be patrolling the Gurdwara to reassure frightened people who might have witnessed the attack. In Adelaide, Australia, 42-year-old Panjabi man, Gaurav Kundi, has died after spending two weeks on life support. On 3 Jun, Kundi was arguing with his partner Amritpal Kaur on the street when police assumed it was a case of domestic violence and assaulted him (earlier coverage).