In view of the rising racial tensions in the United States in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has assured Sikh and Muslim leaders that it is ready to take 'strong and immediate action against hate crimes'.
"Protecting the civil rights of all Americans remains a top priority for the the agency," FBI Director Robert Mueller told a delegation of Sikh, Muslim and Arab-American leaders last week.
Manjit Singh, Chairman of the Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force, who met the FBI chief, said, "At this time of vulnerability in our community, we feel that it is very important to maintain open communications with the FBI."
Mueller sought cooperation of the community leaders in dealing with the challenge and both sides stressed on the need to improve cultural sensitivity, an FBI release said.