Pieter Friedrich, a well-known freelance journalist, has been on hunger strike since July 25 with a call on Representative Ro Khanna to speak about the Manipur issue in US Congress.
‘One thing I know about Ro is that he's passionate about human rights. It's close to his heart and he has always been swift to speak about it, even on international issues, except when it comes to India. I want to stand in solidarity with Ro's grandfather, Amarnath Vidyalankar, who struggled for the freedom of India. I hope that Ro chooses to follow his grandfather's example by taking this one very small, easy step of speaking on the House floor against the anti-Christian violence which is still happening in Manipur,’ Friedrich told Indialife.
‘I am refusing to eat — zero calories, only water, tea, and coffee — until Ro speaks on the House floor about the worst anti-Christian violence in modern Indian history. I was so inspired by his courage when he issued the call to reject Hindutva, and I've been very disappointed in his actions lately which are only helping the Modi regime, but I still have hope that his heart is in the right place and he wants to do the right thing. The opportunity for Ro to act is short because the House session ends this week, but if he does not act, I will continue to fast until he publicly pledges to take the floor at the next opportunity available.
see also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtZ4sQqiu74
‘The best way for the Indian community to help this satyagraha is to call Ro's office to give them this one simple message: "We want Ro to take the House floor to speak against the anti-Christian violence ongoing in Manipur. Even just for a few seconds, Ro, won't you walk in the footsteps of your grandfather by raising your voice for Manipur?" I hope that every democracy-loving Indian-American in the country will make this call to Ro.
‘What is happening in Manipur is far more awful than my experience of not eating. I hope and pray Khanna speaks out,’ he said.
Two other people have also joined the fast in solidarity as of the 25th, he said.
Friedrich has been actively working with a focus on India's Hindu nationalism. He has been meeting with members of Congress to inform them about the BJP government's Hindutva ideology and their systematic transformation of India by persecuting the minorities.
Friedrich has met with Rep. Ro Khanna and requested him to speak out about what really is going on in Manipur. Friedrich said Ro Khanna is the only Representative in the House with more understanding of the situation than others. However, he is reluctant to talk openly.
Earlier, Khanna openly criticized Hindutva, which angered the group. Khanna had to face an opponent in the primary also.
