Community demands retraction of the letter and apology

NEW YORK(TIP): The strong Indian American community in New York on August 11 reacted angrily to a letter Congressman Tom Suozzi wrote to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, alleging  India’s  highhanded in Kashmir , and that the human rights of Kashmiris were being violated.

The moment the letter surfaced on August 11, the word spread like wildfire  in communities across the Tri-states area of NY, NJ,  CT that a Congressman who the Indian community has been supporting during the last more than two decades has turned against India.

Some Indian American friends of the Congressman spoke with Tom Suozzi and suggested that he give an explanation and apologize to community which has always helped  in his campaigns and made it possible for him to move on the political ladder.

The Congressman Tom Suozzi  met with the Indian American community Aug 11 at Apna Ghar in Hicksville to explain his letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo which was viewed by Indian American community as anti-India.

The furious community leaders demanded that the Congressman retract the letter and apologize.

However, the Congressman rejected the demand of Indian American community that he retract the letter. He defended his  writing the letter to Pompeo commenting on the situation in Kashmir consequent upon abrogation of Article 370.

He said he was approached by some of his constituents who said they were not able to contact their families in Kashmir valley, as all communication links were snapped. He said his letter was prompted to know US administration’s view on the situation . He regretted his quoting a New York Times report which spoke of Indian highhandedness in Kashmir. His explanation did not satisfy the gathered Indian American community. Some said they will have nothing to do with Tom. Some others said the meeting was fixed by those who were out to defend Tom.

Later, when the Congressman went to Queens to participate in an India Day parade, he had to face the ire of the Indian American community. When he was confronted by some, including the Indian National Overseas Congress General Secretary Rajinder Dischpally, he walked away from the parade.

Later, on August 12, the congressman,  issued the following statement to explain his position.

“On Sunday, I met with 100 of my Indian-American constituents regarding my recent letter to Secretary Pompeo expressing my concerns about recent developments in Kashmir. Based upon my meeting it is clear that it was a mistake to not consult with some of my Indian American friends and supporters before I sent the letter. I should have. I am sorry. If I had met with them before sending the letter, I would have framed my concerns differently.

“ Throughout my career in public service, I have been an ardent supporter of India, their sovereignty, and have always stood with them in their fight against terrorism. The US-India relationship will be one of our most important over the next 50 years and beyond. I have spent my time in Congress promoting and elevating this relationship and will continue to do so.

“India, the world’s largest democracy, remains critical for regional security and peace. The current situation in Kashmir presents some very serious challenges. The United States should seek to be helpful in securing safety and peace for all people.

“Moving forward, I will make sure to solicit the input of all of my constituents who have a vested interest in Kashmir and work towards a peaceful region that roots out terrorism and corruption as well as respects human rights. It is my hope, that recent developments in the region will eventually lead to this.”

However, the Indian American community is not satisfied with the explanation. Several community leaders The Indian Panorama spoke with want the Congressman to withdraw the letter written to Secretary of State, write another letter placing the facts that no human rights violation is being done in Kashmir which has not witnessed any violence since August 5 when Article 370 was abrogated by the President of India, and that he apologize to India and the Indian American community for having levelled malicious allegations against  India and the Indian government.

The Indian Panorama office was flooded with calls by people who demanded strong action against the Congressman which included demonstrations in front of his office in New York and in Washington, his boycott, and complaining against him to Democratic and India caucus.

The Congressman has surely created an ugly situation with hid thoughtless action for which he alone is responsible. It surely is not in his interest to antagonize a whole community which has been supportive of him always.