Sikh Community Condemns Boston Bombings and expresses Concern against Reaction

WASHINGTON, DC, USA—US Sikh community condemned the horrific events in Boston and also is expressing concern that they might lead to negative impact on the Sikhs throughout the country. In the past, Sikhs and their places of worship have faced violence and vandalism and also loss of lives. Sikh leaders are asking the community to be careful and vigilant against any violence directed against them.

Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of the Washington based Sikh Council on Religion and Education, said, ” The Sikh community joins Americans of all backgrounds in expressing our profound condolences and sympathies to the people of Boston, MA and the participants of the Boston Marathon, after the horrific and tragic bomb attacks that killed and injured so many people. Our hearts are broken. Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives and of those who are injured seriously. We extend our deepest wishes to all who were injured for a full and rapid recovery.”
He further stated, “This has shocked the Sikh community which is still recovering from the attack at the Wisconsin Sikh Temple a few months ago. We feel the pain and suffering of the victims in Boston.”
While expressing his concern, he said, “In the past, any terrorist action which resulted in American lives, have led to negative impact and violence on the Sikhs who are often targeted due to their conspicuous appearance. Many Sikh places of worship have been vandalized and attacked in the aftermath of 9/11 and we fear that the Boston tragedy might trigger another wave of reaction against members of the Sikh community.
We will continue to wish that all people and particularly all Sikhs are safe and secure. This is a time for our community to pull together. We are asking all members of the Sikh community to be vigilant. We are urging all Sikh Gurdwaras (temples) to review their security procedures and to be in contact with their local police departments, possibly to request additional patrols. We also recommend that local law enforcement be consulted during the upcoming weekend services as Sikhs gather in large numbers for prayer service (kirtan diwans).
We appreciate that President Obama has emphasized that people must not draw their own conclusions and he has directed his administration to take appropriate security measures to protect the American people. We are in touch with the White House and will continue to stay in touch as further details on this evolving tragedy emerge.”
He further added, “It is unspeakable that such a tragedy should be occur during such a glorious occasion as the Boston Marathon, which celebrates Patriot’s Day, a highly significant day in American history.
The Boston Marathon is a day which brings together diverse people from across our community, the nation, and around the world, to celebrate the human spirit and the perseverance. We are confident that it will continue to bring people together in future in the same spirit.”
Inderpal Singh Gadh, Chairman of Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, A Sikh center in Rockville, MD, said. “We are requesting everyone, Sikhs and Non-Sikhs, to come together and hold vigilance to show our resolve and solidarity with those killed and injured.”
Boston Marathon also had some Sikhs from US and Canada participating.

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