'Explain stand on NRI stereotyping'

Sanjay Puri, chairman, US-India Political Action Committee has asked Barak Obama to clarify his stand on Indian Americans.

Expressing concern over reports that his staff was engaging in "worst kind" and "hurtful" stereotyping of Indian-Americans, a bipartisan body representing the community has sought clarification from Barak Obama who is seeking Democratic nomination for next year's presidential elections.

"We have been encouraged by your message of inclusion and your promise to bring a new kind of politics to our life to our country (the United States). This is why we are so concerned about the media reports," Sanjay Puri, Chairman of the US-India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) said.

In a letter to Obama, Puri asks him to respond directly to the reports. "We trust that you will take all appropriate action on his matter and look forward to your response on this issue of great importance to the Indian community."

"We are very proud of the contributions Indian Americans have made, and continue to make, to our country. We are extremely proud to be Americans, and are working everyday for the brighter future you regularly speak about," he said.

"We are also proud of the strong relationship shared by the United States and India. This is a vital partnership between the two largest democracies who share common values. Our sincere hope is that you will seek to strengthen this relationship and celebrate the contributions Indian Americans make to our country and the world," Puri added.

Puri was apparently referring to a document reportedly circulated by staff of Obama which denigrates his rival Hillary Clinton's links with India, mockingly referring to her as a Democrat from Punjab.