New Delhi, Aug 9 (ANI): Congress Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Thursday, criticized Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal, for her comment that Sikhs are being targeted because people assume them to be Osama bin Laden, or looking like terrorists, or having links with terrorists.
Describing Harsimrat Kaur's statement as totally childish, Bajwa emphasized that terrorists do not belong to any religion.
"She got sentimental and gave this statement. Terrorists do not belong to any community, and Sikhs are a patriotic community. The Sikhs have played a major patriotic role. So, I totally condemn this statement as totally childish and immature," he said.
When asked what steps did the government take following last Sunday's Wisconsin Gurudwara shoot out, Bajwa said the Indian Government couldn't be held responsible because of one unexpected incident in the United States.
Bajwa, however, said both Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had acted soon after they heard about the incident.
"What can the Government of India do on this? Because, if the incident had taken place in India, you can hold the government responsible. The Prime Minister and UPA chairperson immediately acted. They spoke to President Obama. President Obama assured that members of the Sikh community will be protected and this case will be thoroughly investigated and justice will be given," he said.
Meanwhile, Anandpur Sahib MP Ravneet Singh Bittu also echoed similar sentiments, saying Harsimrat's statement that Sikhs and Muslims look like Osama bin Laden was unacceptable.
"If you talk about America, or any other foreign country, the Sikh community has contributed immensely there, be it in the agriculture sector, or IT. Harsimrat has made this whole issue political. She said that Sikhs and Muslims look like terrorists, but terrorists do not belong to any religion. Her statement that Sikhs and Muslims look like Osama bin Laden is not at all acceptable," said Bittu.
"It was not something that should have been said in Parliament. We are all united and no Indian can ever look like a terrorist," he added.
Bittu further said that the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabhandak Committee, which is in the hands of the Akali Dal for the last 25 years, has failed to promote Sikhism.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal earlier raised the minority community issue in Parliament today in the wake of Wisconsin Gurdwara shoot out in which six innocent Sikhs lost their lives.
"Today, I raised the issue of minority community. Today, Sikhs are being targeted because they resemble Osama bin Laden, a terrorist, because of their attire. It's been 10 years, and thousands of Sikhs have been killed. And people said they thought them to be Osama bin Laden or having links with him," said Harsimrat.
Harsimrat further said the Wisconsin Gurdwara shoot out that took place on August 5 was on the same lines of a mistaken identity.
"The fresh attack that has taken place is on the same lines. I have raised the issue that it is high time awareness should be created, which the U.S. Government has not done for the last 10 years. Our government can at least do something to create awareness," said Harsimrat.
"Today, people are not able to differentiate between Sikhs and terrorists. If our government will not enlighten or create awareness, then how many more people will lose their lives? When will you (government) wake up and protect your minority, be it Sikh, Hindu or Muslim? she asked.
The United States is having an ongoing and intensive communication with India on the Wisconsin Gurudwara shoot out that killed six people.
President Barack Obama called Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday to convey condolences over the shooting incident at a Gurudwara in Wisconsin.
President Obama appreciated the contributions made by the Sikh community in American society, and said that the tragic incident would be investigated.
The Prime Minster thanked President Obama for the support extended by the government and people of the United States.
The United States has assured India that it will provide all assistance to ensure the welfare and security of the Indian community living in the United States.
The tragic incident took place at around 10:30 p.m. on August 5 as members of the Sikh community were gathering in the 17,000 sq ft Gurdwara in Milwaukee's Oak Creek suburb.
The unidentified gunman walked into the Gurudwara where he opened indiscriminate firing, killing six people. The gunman was also shot and killed by a police officer who also sustained serious injuries.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun a probe into the Oak Creek Sikh Gurdwara killings.
Oak Creek Police have identified Michael Page, 40, a U.S. Army veteran and a White Supremacist, as the prime suspect in the incident. (ANI)
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