NRIs Urged Not To Speak In Their Mother Tongue To Avoid Hate Crime

Hyderabad: The Telangana American Telugu Association (TATA) urged people to not speak in their mother tongue in public places.

The suggestion comes in the backdrop of the killing of Indian techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla who became a victim of hate crime in Kansas. TATA has issued guidelines to Indians on how to behave in public in US in order to assimilate and not be a target of hate crime. They gave the tips in a post titled “Some tips for community members and South Asian descent during these challenging times. Please be aware of your surroundings and say something if you see anything suspicious” posted on their Facebook page.

The tips also urge people to not get involved in arguments with people in public places, avoid confrontation in case someone tries to provoke, as much as possible use the English language to communicate. The notice also asks people to move in groups especially in isolated areas. The notice advises to not hesitate to call 911 in case of emergency as officers help out during these situations. Signed by the secretary Vikram Jangam, the post carries a picture of Kuchibhotla as a reminder of the heinous incident.

Srinivas Kuchibhotla was shot dead in a crowded suburban Kansas City bar. A bartender said that the shooter, Adam Purinton used “racial slurs” before he started shooting on Wednesday night as patrons were watching the University of Kansas-TCU basketball game on television.