South Asians pledge to ensure fundamental ideals of America

 Washington, Sept 12 - South Asians in the US have pledged to work to ensure that America remains true to its fundamental ideals of fairness and inclusion.

 ÒLike all Americans, South Asians in the United States were deeply affected by the events on and after September 11th,Ó said the National Coalition of South Asian Organisations (NCSO) in a statement yesterday as the community actively participated in the commemorative events to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

 NCSO, which is a network of community-based organisations, said, ÒA decade later, many South Asians who call America home continue to be affected by unfair policies, xenophobic rhetoric, and discrimination.Ó ÒNow more than ever, members of the NCSO seek to ensure that our country remains true to its fundamental ideals of fairness and inclusion. Today, as we pause to remember September 11th, we also renew our pledge to work towards public policies and community-based efforts that will reaffirm our country's commitment to human rights, justice, and equality for all,Ó NCSO said.

 Meanwhile, Sikh Coalition in a statement said, ÒOn this day, which affected all, we especially remember our obligation to stand together as one.Ó Like all Americans, Sikhs lost friends and colleagues on that tragic day. Sikhs were also amongst the first responders to the attacks, it said.