Community Urged to Stay Vigilant, Avoid Confrontation Ahead of RSS Chief’s New York Event
The Hindu American Foundation has asked attendees to remain calm, avoid confrontations and report suspicious activity as protests are planned outside the venue.
Washington, Aug 27: A US based Hindu-American advocacy organisation has issued a community alert ahead of an event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat in New York, urging attendees to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations with groups planning to protest the programme.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a non-profit organisation, said there could be attempts to disrupt or cancel the Universal Oneness Celebrations scheduled for Saturday at the Infosys Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Bhagwat is scheduled to address the gathering as part of the programme, while Hindus for Human Rights and other organisations have announced demonstrations outside Madison Square Garden on the same day.
Sravya Tadepalli, deputy executive director of Hindus for Human Rights, criticised Bhagwat and said his organisation does not regard him as a representative of the Hindu community. She accused the RSS leadership of promoting a Hindu nationalist movement that, she alleged, has contributed to violence and exclusion affecting minority communities.
The HAF has meanwhile called on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure the safety and civil rights of everyone involved, including people attending the event and those exercising their right to protest.
In its advisory, the organisation encouraged attendees to remain civil and respect the rights of others to assemble, demonstrate and express their views.
It also asked participants to stay aware of their surroundings and notify law enforcement if they notice suspicious behaviour.
The organisation advised anyone who feels threatened to leave the area and contact event security or police. It said attendees should call 911 in an emergency and avoid arguments or physical confrontations with people making provocative or threatening remarks.
The HAF further urged members of the community to report alleged hate incidents, threats, vandalism, suspicious activity and other crimes to security personnel or law enforcement agencies.
The planned demonstrations and the event are expected to bring competing groups into the same area, making calls for restraint and public safety a key focus ahead of Saturday’s programme.
