Ottawa: The atmosphere for Sikh activists in the United States and Canada has grown increasingly hostile, marked by threats and harassment, especially following recent political tensions involving India. Dr. Jasmeet Bains, a California assemblywoman and the first Sikh American elected to the state legislature, has become a central figure in these rising concerns.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Dr. Bains experienced direct threats at her office and home shortly after California recognized the 1984 anti-Sikh violence in India as genocide. These incidents escalated following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh separatist leader in British Columbia. Dr. Bains recounted receiving over 100 threatening messages, observing suspicious activities around her residence, and experiencing vandalism.

The situation has prompted heightened security measures for Dr. Bains, including law enforcement assessments and changes to her personal and professional routines to ensure safety. She now avoids traveling alone and often requires a security detail at public events. Dr. Bains described these adjustments as significant for her independence.

This pattern of threats extends beyond Dr. Bains, affecting 19 other Sikh community leaders across North America, including three elected officials in the U.S. These individuals report similar experiences of targeted threats and harassment over the past year, correlating with investigations into violent acts against Sikh separatist leaders in North America.