Indian-Americans Ask Hagel To Allow Sikhs To Serve In U.S. Army

Wednesday, 30 April 2014, 00:09 IST
42
cmt right
48
Comment Right
67
cmt right
13
cmt right
Printer Print Email Email

Among other signatories to the letter are -- M R Rangaswami, Mahinder Tak, Sunita Leeds, Aneesh Chopra, Vinod K Shah and Parag V Mehta.

"We wanted our Sikh-American brothers and sisters to know that, at the very least, the Indian-American community stands with them and while it may be seen as symbolic, their cause is our cause," Narasimhan said.

In the letter, the Indian-Americans said for more than a century, immigrants from India have strengthened and enriched America, even after overcoming obstacles.

"As Americans, we must collectively ensure that our institutions uphold the values on which our great nation was founded," the letter said.

"In 1948, President Harry Truman declared "that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.

"On behalf of the undersigned 16 Indian-Americans from all over the country, we strongly urge you to make this promise real for Sikh-Americans who wish to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces," the letter said.

Earlier, 15 influential Senators have asked Hagel to allow Sikhs to serve in the armed forces with their religious faith intact.
READ MORE:
Three Indian-Americans Join U.S. Congressional Race
Indian-American Man Barred From Promoting Alleged Tax Scheme


Source: PTI