Amritsar, May 10 (ANI): Taking a strong view of the vicious attack on 82-year-old Piara Singh at Fresno Sikh Temple in California, the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, a recently set up group of US lawmakers, has taken up the issue of hate crimes against the Sikh community with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Caucus's co-chairs Judy Chu and David G. Valadao, while condemning the incident in strong terms, are pushing the matter with the top investigating agency.
"I have pushed the FBI to finally begin tracking hate crimes against American Sikh community. This will help law enforcement officers in every locality to do all they can to prevent violence against this - and all communities. We cannot wait any longer," said Chu in her statement.
She said: "My heart broke when I heard about suspected hate crime on Piara Singh, an elderly Sikh man dedicated to his faith and his community. He was doing what he did every day, volunteering at his
gurdwara, when a man viciously attacked him."
American lawmakers also expressed a commitment to combat the growing wave of violence and intolerance that threatens the safety and civil liberties of all Americans, including the Sikh American community.
Notably, Piara Singh volunteered at the Nanaksar Sikh Temple daily.
He sustained head wounds, a punctured lung, and broken bones and ribs during the assault.
The Central Valley is home to more than 25,000 Sikhs.
Meanwhile, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, while condemning the incident, hailed the caucus for taking up the matter at the right platform withy the federal government.
While talking to ANI over phone, AGPC Coordinator Dr.Pritpal Singh asked the community to stay calm and resort to prayers.
He stressed that the incident shows how justified is the caucus which aims to seek government and policy makers help on community issues in the United States.
By Ravinder Singh Robin (ANI)
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