'Message was sent in error': California senator rectifies Pahalgam statement, says he represents largest Hindu-American population in US

California senator Alex Padilla who was slammed by the Hindu American Foundationfor not condemning the Pahalgam attack in India has rectified his earlier statement and said it was issued in error. The Hindu American Foundation launched a voter voice campaign over the Pahalgam attack in which 26.

The foundation has written to several US politicians seeking their support, but Democrat senator Padilla, in his earlier statement, lectured about religious freedom in India, which upset the Hindu American Foundation. "You may have previously received a message from me regarding religious freedom in India. That message was sent in error, and I understand your frustration," the senator wrote, condemning the violence against Hindu civilians in Pahalgam."As a United States Senator from California, it is my honor to represent the largest population of Hindu Americans in the country. I also deeply value the US-India relationship, and I remain committed to strengthening the relationship and to recognizing the important contributions of Indian Americans in our communities," Padillia wrote.

"As you know, 26 civilians, primarily Hindu tourists, were killed in a militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The eyewitness accounts of the slaughter are horrific, and I sincerely hope the authorities will bring the perpetrators to justice. In response, India launched retaliatory airstrikes targeting Pakistani targets. The conflict continued with cross-border shelling, tragically claiming civilian lives on both sides.

I wholeheartedly align with my colleagues across the political spectrum in supporting the current ceasefire and ensuring that those responsible for the April 22 attack are held accountable for the despicable act of violence.

Hindu American Foundation earlier expressed their disappointment as the senator did not condemn the attack and instead peddled some biased narratives of India's religious persecution. "California is home to one of the largest Indian and Hindu American communities. When constituents reach out about terrorism, they deserve moral clarity and respect, not dismissive rhetoric that shifts blame onto the victims," the foundation earlier wrote before the senator issued a rectified statement.