Sikh-American Politician Faces Escalating Threats Amid Transnational Tensions

Dr. Jasmeet Bains, the first Sikh American elected to the California assembly, has faced ongoing threats since introducing a resolution declaring the 1984 killing of Sikhs in India as genocide. Investigations by U.S. and Canadian authorities are underway into the harassment and potential transnational repression targeting Sikh activists.

Dr. Jasmeet Bains, the first Sikh American elected to the California assembly, is grappling with terrifying threats since August last year. This follows her resolution recognizing the 1984 killing of thousands of Sikhs in India as genocide.

Individuals warned Bains of imminent danger, marking the onset of continuous harassment. Since then, she reported over 100 threatening text messages, surveillance outside her home, and ongoing security threats. Local authorities and the FBI are now involved.

The warnings to Bains align with threats reported by Sikh leaders across the U.S. and Canada, as authorities investigate potential involvement by Indian nationals in the harassment and violence. These developments underscore concerns over transnational repression targeting political opponents in North America.