WASHINGTON DC: Sikh leaders across United States have condemned the violence in Vienna, Austria, in which one person died and several others were injured.
Dr. Rajwant Singh, Chairman of Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE), said, “We condemn the violence which took place in Vienna, Austria. This kind of violence has no place in the Sikh affairs and it needs to be categorically condemned by all Sikhs without going into the merits of the issue. No issue requires taking law into your own hand no matter what the provocation is. We are saddened by this terrible tragedy and we appeal everyone to maintain peace and calm at all cost.”
He added, “This is undoubtedly a major setback to the Sikh interests on the international scene especially in Western Europe and the Americas. Various Sikh groups have been working hard day and night to create positive image of the Sikhs and also to get Sikhs the right to exercise their religion without restrictions throughout the Western world. This incident does tremendous damage to all such efforts and it has brought bad name to rest of the peaceful Sikh community worldwide.”
He further added, “We appeal to Jathedar of Akal Takhat, the highest spiritual authority in India, to issue a strict edict that no person or organization should resort to violence to deal with any issue related to Sikh observances or Maryada (Sikh code of conduct). We have seen an escalation of violent means to deal with issues related to Maryada or issues related to respecting Guru Granth Sahib(Sikh Scriptures) in the recent times. Only Akal Takhat should be the place to bring an issue for deliberations.
Dr. Gurpal Singh Bhuller of Association of Sikh Professionals and Sikh Association of Central Virginia, said, "We Sikhs need to completely reject the attack on other worshippers in Vienna, Austria. People of God cannot condone such violent acts in a place of worship. Differences in theology, belief and form must be settled with reason and respect for the laws of the host country, the rights of its citizens, as well as the acceptance of all fellow human beings. It is a tragedy that this crime was committed by individuals to protect the sanctity of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which preaches tolerance and forgiveness."
Dr. I.J.Singh, writer of various Sikh books in New York, said, “The action of the attackers is contrary to Sikh teachings. Everyone is entitled to practice their own faith as they see fit. No body has any right to stop others much as we do not allow anybody to interfere in practice of our own faith. History is full of examples where Sikhs have defended the rights of others to exercise their religion freely and we are known for this.”
Dr. Jasbir Singh Kang, a prominent Sikh leader in Yuba City, California, had called the local Ravidass Gurdwara in his area to express his condolences. He said, “We condemn the violence and it does not help anything. Guru Nanak, Founder of Sikh faith, taught us to have gosti- discussions when there is disagreement. You can have difference of opinion but cannot go to the extent of taking someone’s life. Fighting among brothers within Sikh community will not help anything and we appeal to all concerned to show restraint in India and abroad.”
