Sikh man attacked in US: Akal Takht acting Jathedar seeks strict action, says ‘incident must be recorded as hate crime'
Last week, Harpal Singh was walking near Saticoy Street and Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood, California, when a man on a bicycle attacked him with a golf club, causing serious injuries, US media reported. While Singh has undergone three surgeries and remains critical, the Los Angeles Police Department has arrested a suspect.
'This incident must be recorded as a hate crime, and the motive should be made public,' Gargajj said. He also referred to the FBI's 2024 hate crime report, which recorded 153 incidents targeting Sikhs, making them the third most-targeted religious group in the US.
Gargajj urged Sikh organisations in the US to increase public awareness about Sikh identity and to seek support from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib when needed. 'Sikhs living in the USA should unite, raise their voice with local authorities, and demand enhanced security measures,' he said.
Jathedar Gargajj also advised Sikhs abroad to remain alert, be equipped for self-defence, and avoid sending elderly family members out alone. 'An attack on one Sikh is an attack on the entire community. Such incidents must be dealt with collectively and seriously,' he said.
He also called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to ensure, through the Indian mission in the US, that the assault is officially classified as a hate crime and that strong action is taken against the accused.
Jathedar Gargajj assured Singh's family that the Akal Takht Sahib and the Sikh community 'stand with them' and directed the SGPC to liaise with the Ministry of External Affairs on the matter.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
US to cooperate with Pakistan over critical minerals, hydrocarbons: Secretary of State Rubio
WASHINGTON: The US government on Wednesday stated that it is "looking forward" to strengthening its cooperation with Pakistan in areas of critical minerals and hydrocarbons, with a renewed focus on economic cooperation in other emerging sectors. Announcing its intent in a congratulatory message on Pakistan's Independence Day, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the two nations. "On behalf of the United States, I extend our warm congratulations to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day on August 14," Rubio said in the statement issued by US Department of State. He also acknowledged Pakistan's engagement with the US on key fronts, particularly counterterrorism and trade. "The United States deeply appreciates Pakistan's engagement on counterterrorism and trade. We look forward to exploring new areas of economic cooperation, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons, and fostering dynamic business partnerships which will promote a prosperous future for Americans and Pakistanis," the statement further read. The message comes at a time when Washington is actively seeking to further its ties with India's terror-harbouring neighbour. Earlier in July, US President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Pakistan, touting a joint initiative to develop oil reserves in the country and even floated the idea that "some day" Islamabad might sell oil to New Delhi. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that the US and Pakistan are currently in the process of selecting the oil company for the partnership. "We have just concluded a Deal with the Country of Pakistan, whereby Pakistan and the United States will work together on developing their massive Oil Reserves. We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this Partnership. Who knows, maybe they'll be selling Oil to India some day!" Trump stated. Meanwhile, the Trump administration had also announced the lowest tariff rates for Pakistani goods to the US in South Asia in his new tariff plans announced earlier this month, with 19 percent imposed on Islamabad. India, on the other hand, faced a 25 percent tariff under the new plan. Trump later announced an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian goods to the US, bringing the total to 50 percent, due to India's continued oil purchases from Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has slammed the US's move to impose additional tariffs, calling it "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable", and further noted that New Delhi would take "all actions necessary to protect its national interests." Notably, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir visited the US for the second time in less than two months, where he reportedly said Pakistan could use nuclear weapons to take down India and "half the world" in the event of an existential threat during an event in Florida. The trip comes after a private luncheon with Trump in June, during which the Pakistan Army Chief recommended Trump's name for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
From cleaning, repairing of roads to Guru Tegh Bahadur sites: Bains pledges Rs 20L from discretionary funds, one month's salary as part of religious sentence
Complying with the direction of the Akal Takht, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has pledged Rs 20 lakh from his discretionary funds and one month's salary for the cleaning and repair of approach roads to sites associated with Guru Tegh Bahadur. In compliance with the order received from the Five Singh Sahibaan at Sri Akal Takht Sahib, and with the grace of Guru Sahib Ji, after completing the assigned service, I went to Sri Akal Takht Sahib, offered Ardaas, and submitted a report regarding the completed service, Bains said. For the cleaning and improvement of the roads leading to Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, Gurdwara Kotha Sahib Patshahi Nauvin, and Gurdwara Baba Bakala Sahib, I pledge to contribute Rs 20 lakh from my discretionary funds and, as a personal offering, one month's salary, he said. Bains also said he would make every possible effort, personally and through the government for beautification works around other sites linked to Guru Tegh Bahadur. As a humble Sikh, I request forgiveness for mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly in the past, and seek blessings to serve religion, the community, the nation, Punjab and society to the greatest extent in the future, he said. The Sikh clergy summoned Bains for organising entertainment performances, involving dance and music, at a programme held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 24 to mark the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth of the ten Sikh Gurus. The Punjab Language Department organised the event, held at Tagore Hall in Srinagar. At the meeting held at the Akal Takht secretariat, Bains apologised for the Srinagar event, which was seen as a deep affront to Sikh sentiments. The Sikh clergy asked him to immediately visit Gurdwara Guru Ke Mahal, the birthplace of Guru Tegh Bahadur, in Amritsar, to inspect and ensure repairs and cleanliness on the approach roads and nearby streets. This is the first time that the Akal Takht mandated infrastructure development as part of a religious sentence.
Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Punjab DGP cites Pak Army Chief's Florida comments to caution rank and file to remain alert
In his meetings with Police officers across Punjab for the past two days, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav has referred to the anti-India statements made by Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Florida, USA, and asked the Punjab Police officials to be alive to the inimical designs of the Pakistan Army on India and Punjab. In the past 48 hours the DGP has been hotfooting across Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Patiala and Ludhiana holding meetings with with all 8 ranges, 28 CPs/SSPs, and SP/DSPs on security issues and getting feedback. Munir had made several provocative statements about India during a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, on August 10. According to reports, he issued a nuclear threat, stating, 'We are a nuclear nation, if we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us,'. He also addressed the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that Pakistan would destroy any dam India builds on the Indus River with 'ten missiles,'. The DGP referred to the security situation on J&K and how in recent past Pakistan has attempted to create unrest in Punjab through sporadic violence carried out by terrorist groups and gangsters who are actively supported by its intelligence agency Inter Services Intelligence (ISI). 'The DGP cautioned that there were continuous efforts being made by Pakistan to destabilise the security situation through gangs and separatist groups and that Munir's comments show where his focus lies and what plans he may have to inflict damage on India through over and covert means. The DGP pointed out that the ring leaders of all Punjab-centric violent groups were located in Pakistan and these groups had their vital nodes in that country too therefore it was necessary for Punjab Police to remain alert ,' the officer said. The field officials were briefed by the DGP that it has been observed in the recent past that the Pakistan Intelligence Operatives (PIOs) have become very desperate in Punjab and have been pressing their local contacts for some immediate 'action'. 'The district level officials were informed that the Pak intelligence agents have been very, very active and their desperation to carry out some destabilising event is recognised by the fact that they have started directly calling up their Indian contacts, especially in the border areas, ans asking them to 'do something',' a senior official said. The DGP also touched upon inter-district coordination and modern policing and emphasised seamless coordination between districts, enhanced use of technology like CCTV and advanced surveillance systems. He also encouraged open discussions with SHOs to gather ground-level feedback, strengthening community welfare and operational efficiency. The meetings also underscored the focus to dismantling drug networks and acting decisively against organised crime and gangsters.
