Indians in US jail: Nikki Haley wants matter "resolved"
The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) took up the issue of 52 Indians languishing in a detention center in Oregon when US Envoy to the UN Nikki Haley visited the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi today. Most of these 52 are believed to be Sikh; some are Christian. Almost all of them have alleged "severe religious persecution" in India.
Indian detainees in Oregon facility cut off from outside world
Reports about these Indians emerged last week, after Congressional members visited the Sheridan facility in Yamhill County. Inhumane conditions are rampant, they told the Congresspersons: they're apparently confined in small cells for 23 hours daily; couldn't talk for weeks due to absence of translators, and had no contact with the outside world. Those with families said they had no idea where their wives and children were.
Most have requested asylum claiming "severe religious persecution" in India
"Most of the detainees are asking for asylum claiming that they 'experienced violence or persecution' in their home country," the Indian Embassy said. Another 40-45 Indians are at a federal detention center in the state of New Mexico.
Sirsa plans to meet US Ambassador next
Sirsa, also a BJP legislator, met Haley, daughter of Sikh immigrants from Punjab, and Juster, who was accompanying her, at the Gurudwara today. "We requested Nikki Ji to address the problem of 52 Indians in Oregon Jail. @nikkihaley Ji immediately took note and discussed it with @USAmbIndia to resolve the issue. We will be meeting Mr Juster soon to discuss the matter," he tweeted.
Haley, Juster and Sirsa at the Gurudwara
This is Haley's first India visit after becoming UN Envoy
Haley, on her maiden visit to India after becoming the Envoy to the UN, went on a multi-faith tour across Delhi today: apart from the Gurudwara, she visited the Gauri Shankar Mandir, Jama Masjid and Central Baptist Church. She also discussed bilateral cooperation with PM Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj. Haley is the first Indian-American to serve in a Cabinet-level position in the US.
