Sikh Community Shooting in Milwaukee Not Racially Motivated, says Illinois Sikh Community

Sikhs are outraged by this incident but at the same time we ask for the prayers of the community

CHICAGO, Ill., Aug. 6, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Statement regarding shooting at Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin: Several
people have been injured in a shooting incident. The Sikh community in the United States has been active citizens since the late 1800’s in
the USA. Sikhism is a monotheistic faith that requires them to wear a turban and one of the youngest religions in the world. “The incident
in Milwaukee has been a shock, we are concerned about the victims and their families. We understand that this was a ‘random’ act and not one
motivate by race. So, we are asking for the support from the greater community for their prayers for the victims and their families,” said
Amarjit Singh from the Illinois Sikh Community Center.

Many Sikhs are professionals here in the United States and nearly estimated 500,000 population. Many Sikhs have immigrated from the
India during the late 60’s and 80’s. The Sikh community is concerned that this incident would have been motivated by race or because of
their identity of wearing a turban. They have faced similar misidentify challenges in the past here in the United States.

“Our community because of our religious identity of wearing a turban and uncut hair have always faced an educational battle of educating
the media, and general community on who we are and what Sikhism is all about, and we know this is still an unfolding situation,” says Dr.
Pavitar Singh, President of Illinois Sikh Community.

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