Minnesota bipartisan gathering expresses concern over hate, discrimination in India

By A Representative 

A bipartisan group of Minnesota elected officials joined community leaders and members of the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) for a public forum titled “Community Resistance to Hate and Extremism,” held in Fridley.

The event brought together U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, and other state lawmakers from both major parties. Organizers said the forum included panel discussions on hate, extremism, and civic engagement.

During her remarks, Omar raised concerns about the situation of religious minorities in India, citing reports she described as indicating severe and escalating persecution. “Reports coming out of India [place it at] the 8th stage of genocide,” she said, adding that concerns were not limited to government action but also reflected broader societal dynamics.

Attorney General Ellison delivered a keynote address in which he recounted an early experience that shaped his understanding of Hindu nationalism, describing a friend’s account of discrimination during travel in Gujarat. He referenced the 2002 Gujarat riots and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying the experience “blew my mind,” and called for collective action in support of human rights and inclusion.

Minnesota Assistant Commissioner Zarina Baber highlighted concerns about anti-Muslim prejudice in the state and urged coordinated engagement among civil society, educators, and policymakers to counter extremism and discrimination.

Jaylani Hussein of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota chapter emphasized sustained advocacy efforts by Muslim Americans and allies on issues affecting minorities abroad, arguing that U.S. political engagement can influence global human rights outcomes.

Raj Rajan of the India Coalition of Minnesota and Hindus for Human Rights spoke about what he described as challenges to India’s constitutional secularism. He also raised concerns about the use of the term “Hinduphobia,” arguing it is sometimes deployed to deflect criticism of caste discrimination and religious intolerance.

Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy criticized divisive rhetoric in politics and encouraged attendees to use their civic influence. “The power that rests in the office that I hold is not mine. It is ours,” she said, emphasizing constituent engagement.

Republican State Senator Jim Abeler urged participants to act on their convictions despite potential personal costs, while State Senator Zainab Mohamed pledged continued legislative engagement with community concerns.

IAMC Associate Director Amin Zama said the presence of elected officials from both parties signaled broad opposition to hate and extremism, and underscored the importance of coalition-building across communities.

The forum concluded with calls for continued civic participation, interfaith cooperation, and sustained advocacy against discrimination and extremist ideologies both in the United States and internationally.