FRESNO, California, USA—Following the stabbing of Gurcharan Singh Gill in Fresno on January 1, Sikh Community in and around the city have continued to remain in shock. Concern is growing within the community as attacks against the Sikhs are on the rise since the shootings in San Bernardino in December 2015.
Gurcharan Singh Gill was at work when he was stabbed to death during broad day light. While investigations are still on-going, local community members feel Mr. Gill was attacked due to his identity and skin color. The incident took place at Shields Express, located at 1107 West Shields Avenue, Fresno, CA.
Just few days ago, on December 28, another elderly Sikh was brutally assaulted in Fresno. No arrests have been made in either cases.
This past December, local Sikhs held a meeting with Crime Stoppers and the local Police Department to discuss the growing hate crimes. Sikhs raised over $12,000 for the Crime Stoppers. While Fresno is home to a large Sikh community, it seems that there is much work to be done for the local Sikhs to raise awareness of their identity.
These types of incidents are always heartbreaking, as the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms (including guns) for self-defense.
Sikhs should take advantage of that and listen to Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s hukam to keep themselves armed at all times, especially turbulent times in a foreign country.
These types of incidents should not be happening to Sikhs.
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