Washington: US Senate has passed a resolution calling on Federal and local law enforcement officials to persecute "assertively and thoroughly" those indulging in hate crimes against Sikhs, Muslims and Arabs.

The resolution was sponsored by Democratic Senators Dick Durbin and Russ Feingold, and Republican Senator John Sununu. A similar resolution is before the House of Representatives.

Senator Durbin, who piloted the measure, said it was a proud moment not just for Arab Americans, Muslims, South Asian Americans and Sikhs but also for Americans of all religions, backgrounds and cultures.

"There should never be a place for this kind of hatred in our country. Now, more than ever, we simply cannot allow prejudice to divide our nation," he said.

National Chairman of the Leadership of the Sikh Coalition on Religion and Education Rajwant Singh welcomed the passage of the resolution and expressed hope that it will help in preventing hate crimes.

"We hope it will aid in the prevention of hate crimes and that it helps to save lives. But even if it is not a deterrent in all cases, we believe the punishment will appropriately address the crime," he said.

Singh thanked the three Senators for addressing the "sensitive" issue. "It answers many of our prayers for some relief against senseless attacks and intolerance," he said.

The resolution was passed days after a Sikh American, Avtar Singh (52) was shot twice in a hate crime incident in Phoenix, Arizona, by two men shouting "go back to your country." He is currently recuperating.

PTI