WASHINGTON, Aug 27: A US-based Hindu-American advocacy group has issued a community alert for people attending RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s event in New York, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid confrontations with protesters opposing the programme.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), a US-based non-profit organisation, said there could be attempts to disrupt the “Universal Oneness Celebrations” scheduled for Saturday at the Infosys Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Hindus for Human Rights and other organisations have announced plans to hold protests outside Madison Square Garden on Saturday, coinciding with Bhagwat’s event.
Sravya Tadepalli, Deputy Executive Director of Hindus for Human Rights, said Bhagwat did not represent the Hindu community and accused the RSS of promoting an ideology that has contributed to violence and exclusion of minority communities.
The HAF appealed to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ensure the safety and civil rights of everyone attending the event as well as those exercising their right to protest.
The organisation urged attendees to remain calm and respect the rights of others to assemble, protest and express their views.
It also advised participants to stay alert, monitor their surroundings and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
“If you feel threatened, leave the area and contact event security or law enforcement,” the HAF said, advising people to call 911 in an emergency.
The group further urged attendees to avoid altercations with anyone making provocative or threatening statements and to report hate incidents, threats, vandalism, suspicious activity or other crimes to security personnel or law enforcement authorities.
