By Sarah N. Lynch, Wa Lone and Jorge Garcia
Dr. Jasmeet Bains, a pioneer in addiction medicine and the first Sikh American elected to the California assembly, found herself in a dangerous situation she never anticipated. Last year, after California adopted her resolution recognizing the genocide of thousands of Sikhs in India in 1984, four men paid her a visit. The men, seemingly of Indian descent, issued threatening warnings to her at her office.
Since then, Dr. Bains has been subjected to over 100 threatening text messages, observed suspicious activities near her home, and even encountered repeated vandalism. Law enforcement was notified of the incident, but the threat persisted. The FBI also reached out to Dr. Bains after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau implicated the Indian government in the killing of a Sikh leader in British Columbia.
Following these events, Dr. Bains has been forced to change the way she lives her life – always accompanied and cautious. Her story is just one among many in the Sikh community who have faced similar threats and harassment in the U.S. and Canada.
Several prominent Sikh figures, including elected officials, have reported instances of online harassment, surveillance, doxing, and other forms of intimidation. Law enforcement agencies have issued warnings to individuals within the community about potential danger.
Investigations are ongoing in both the U.S. and Canada regarding the targeted violence against Sikh separatists. Despite denials from the Indian government, accusing fingers are pointed in their direction. The FBI has expressed concerns about “transnational repression” and has issued public warnings in Punjabi to report any threats or harassment.
These incidents have drawn attention to the complexities of transnational repression and the challenges of identifying the source of threats. In the face of continued threats and surveillance, members of the Sikh community remain resilient in their pursuit of justice and protection.
Dr. Bains, among others, continues to advocate for awareness and action against transnational repression. Her bill in the California Assembly aims to equip law enforcement with the tools to combat such threats effectively.
The stories of resilience and courage within the Sikh community demonstrate the need for solidarity and vigilance in the face of adversity. Together, they stand united against those who seek to silence their voices and undermine their cause.
