Human Rights Concerns Raised at Town Hall with Rep. Josh Harder

Stockton, California — January 29

Concerns about human rights, immigration policy, and alleged transnational repression affecting Sikh communities were brought forward during a town-hall-style gathering with Congressman Josh Harder at the Sikh Gurdwara in Stockton.

Representatives of the Sikh American community spoke about the impact of current U.S. domestic policies on immigrants, Sikh truck drivers, asylum seekers, and their families. Several individuals who had previously been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shared personal experiences directly with the congressman, while issues surrounding California commercial driver’s licenses were also discussed.

Participants broadened the discussion to include international human rights concerns, religious freedom, and allegations of cross-border repression affecting Sikhs and other minority communities in Western countries. During the meeting, Bhajan Singh Bhinder of the Sikh Information Center delivered a formal statement urging principled engagement and a reassessment of U.S. foreign policy toward India.

Bhinder referenced several high-profile cases that community members view as examples of transnational repression. These included U.S. citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, whom U.S. authorities say was the target of a thwarted assassination plot; United Kingdom-based environmental advocate Gurpreet Singh Rehal, whose arrest and related charges have drawn criticism from supporters; the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Canada; and the death of U.K.-based activist Avtar Singh Khanda, which some observers consider suspicious.

According to Bhinder, Sikh Americans look to elected officials for “principled leadership and moral clarity,” framing the community’s concerns within the United States’ founding commitments to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Bishop Joshua Lickter of the Assembly for Human Rights also addressed the gathering, describing his own experiences advocating for minority communities in India and raising concerns about the treatment of religious minorities, including Christians, Sikhs, and Dalits. He emphasized the need for solidarity, faith-based engagement, and sustained international attention to human rights and religious freedom.

The Sikh Information Center stated it is prepared to provide documentation, survivor testimony, and policy recommendations to congressional and federal offices in support of peaceful and democratic solutions. Bhinder concluded by expressing confidence in democratic dialogue and in what he described as the United States’ enduring commitment to justice and global human rights leadership.

Community leaders additionally thanked Congressman Harder for meeting with constituents and offering an open forum to discuss concerns affecting immigrant and minority communities.