Edina Police Department Hosts Mandir Town Hall With CoHNA

Edina, MN – March 7, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening trust and collaboration, the Edina Police Department, in partnership with the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), successfully hosted a town hall to address safety of Hindu temples, foster dialogue, and build meaningful community partnerships. The event followed a recent incident at a local mandir (Hindu temple), underscoring the importance of proactive engagement between law enforcement and the Hindu community in Minnesota.

Held on February 26, 2025, at the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility, the gathering brought together key law enforcement leaders, city officials, temple representatives, and community members for an open, solution-driven conversation. Among the distinguished representatives who attended were Edina Police Chief Todd Milburn, Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and her outreach liaisons, Community Outreach Officer Nick Donahue, and Joint Community Police Partnership Liaison Jessica Connors. Edina City Council Representative Julie Risser attended as way of showing solidarity and reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusivity and safety. 

Reflecting on the event Connors stated, “community is only as powerful as the voices that come together, and this event was a true insight into the power of what can be accomplished when community and policing come together. It also displayed the value in proactive and intentional relationship building.” 

CoHNA was represented by Neha Markanda, Director of the Minnesota Chapter, and CoHNA leaders, Raj Dash, Arun Sharma, and Arun Bansal.  “Building trust between law enforcement and the diverse communities they serve is essential, for safe and thriving cities,” said Markanda. “The Hindu community is a vibrant and integral part of Edina, and this Mandir Town Hall provided a critical space for listening, learning, and ensuring our collective well-being.” 

The town hall created an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with law enforcement, ask questions, share concerns, and provide valuable feedback. It also emphasized CoHNA’s ongoing work in community safety, cultural awareness, and fostering proactive relationships with local authorities. 

Dr. S.K. Dash, a prominent Hindu community leader and global philanthropist, highlighted the significance of this engagement, stating: “We deeply appreciate the Edina Police Department’s initiative and commitment to hearing our voices. This forum allowed us to strengthen dialogue and build even greater trust necessary for a safer, more united community.”