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200 attacks on Sikhs reported after September 11

H S Rao in London

Despite calls for tolerance and restraint by authorities, at least 200 attacks on Sikhs and 540 on Arab-Americans have been reported in the United States in the week following the September 11 terror attacks on New York and Washington, international human rights watchdog Amnesty International has said.

"Mosques, Hindu temples and community centres have been attacked and vandalised," Amnesty said in a report.

In a number of countries, including Mexico, Brazil and Paraguay, Muslims and people of Middle Eastern origin have been detained on suspicion of links with 'terrorist' organisations, amid fears that they may be victims of arbitrary detention and ill-treatment.

Men and women of all ages have suffered abuse and even serious attacks because of their real or perceived religious or national identity, it said.

Amnesty International collects evidence of a backlash against Muslims and people of Middle Eastern or Asian origin or appearance in at least 10 countries.

One Sikh, Balbir Singh Sodhi, was killed in a rampage in suburban Phoenix in the US, and many others had to face racial slurs following the terrorist strikes.

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