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16 attacks on Sikhs in Britain

Shyam Bhatia in London

Amid fears for the welfare and safety of their community in the United Kingdom, Sikh elders in London have strongly condemned the terrorist attacks on New York and London and held special prayers for those who have lost their lives.

As in the US, some British-based Sikhs with turbans and beards have been mistakenly identified as supporters of Saudi fugitive Osama bin Laden.

According to one estimate there have been 16 incidents since last Tuesday when individual Sikhs have been subjected to aggressive looks, called "murderers" or been pushed on the street.

"Because of their apparel, some members of the community have been wrongly identified," Trilochan Singh Sahni, president of the oldest gurdwara in London, the Central Gurdwara in Shepherds Bush, told rediff.com. "But they have nothing to do with the Taleban or anyone else. We are very concerned and hope the authorities in the US and here will take appropriate measures and issue necessary instructions to the authorities so that people of the Sikh faith are not harassed or arrested."

Sahni said he was particularly concerned that two British newspapers at the weekend published the picture of an innocent Sikh who was arrested in New York as a suspicious character and possible follower of bin Laden.

At the Central Gurdwara on Sunday Sahni read out a resolution which said, 'The President, Executive Committee and all members of the Central Gurdwara, London, are appalled and deeply shocked at the senseless tragic deaths and destruction caused by acts of terrorism on Tuesday, 16 September in New York and Washington.

'People of all nationalities and faiths were the innocent victims. Sikhs are peaceful and hardworking people and follow the teachings of Guru Nanak, 10 Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahibji, which stands for universal brotherhood, peace, prosperity and harmony in the entire universe. This evening we are saying special prayers for all those who have lost their lives and also for those who have lost their kith and kin.'

Sahni also read out a letter sent to British Prime Minister Tony Blair in which he described last week's tragedy as a 'most heinous, criminal and cowardly act' and 'a blatant attack on humanity the entire civilization and democratic world.'

Earlier. at a briefing for the media, India's Deputy High Commissioner in London Hardeep Puri said, "People are concerned that an innocent Sikh was gunned down in Arizona. There is tension among the 500,000 strong community in the UK as well.

"This is a community that is willing to offer its shoulder in the fight against terrorism. Sikhs themselves have been victims of terrorism. As a result of Taleban rule Sikhs have had to flee. They are victims of terrorism and it is very unfortunate if they are singled out because of their physical characteristics."

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