Washington:
An Indian-American Congressman sought an FBI investigation on Tuesday into the vandalisation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in California as numerous other lawmakers condemned the act.
A bronze statue of Gandhi in the Central Park of the city of Davis in Northern California was vandalised, broken and ripped from the base by unknown men and women final week. The city has registered a case and is investigating the incident.
“I condemn this malicious act in the strongest terms and I call upon the FBI to investigate it as a possible hate crime intended to intimidate Indian-Americans, among others,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi mentioned.
“The desecration of a statue of Gandhi, who championed peace and non-violence and who continues to influence countless non-violent struggles for justice including in America, serves as a sad reminder of how important his teachings remain,” he mentioned.
In a separate statement, Congressman Ami Bera condemned the vandalisation of the statue.
“Peaceful and non-violent protest, which was championed by civil rights leaders at home and abroad, including Dr Martin Luther King Jr and Gandhi, is a hallmark of American democracy.
“The strength of our nation lies in our diversity, but also in our capability to peacefully express our opinions and variations. Vandalisation and destruction of home is unacceptable and has no spot in our society,” he said.
“Gandhi stood for peace, nonviolence, and justice. We are greater than acts of hate like this,” tweeted Congressman Josh Harder.
Congressman Pete Session said the statue of Gandhi was donated by the government of India to all Americans as a symbol of peace. “This hate crime should not be tolerated. Restoration of this fantastic statue should be performed,” he tweeted.