Sikh attacks in US: Sukhbir, Harsimrat appeal for Sushma's intervention

In the wake of yet another attack on a Sikh man in the US, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders Sukhbir Singh Badal and Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Thursday appealed to External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj to take up the matter with the US authorities.

According to media reports, a man identified as Terlok Singh was apparently stabbed to death on Thursday near the deli he owned at North Park Street and Burchard Avenue in New Jersey's East Orange. This is the third such attack happening in a span of three weeks.

Taking to his official Twitter handle, Sukhbir said, "I condemn the brutal murder of Terlok Singh in New Jersey. The way hate crime & attacks on Sikhs are increasing across the globe, it is important to make people aware about Sikhism. I request @SushmaSwaraj ji to take cognizance of the case & take up this issue with the US govt."

Raising similar concerns, Union Cabinet Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal tweeted, "These hate crimes in US are reaching an alarming level now. Third Sikh to be attacked in 3 weeks. Appeal to EAM @SushmaSwaraj ji to personally intervene and take up this matter with the authorities there. My heartfelt condolences for the family."

Meanwhile, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president, Gobind Singh Longowal also condemned the incident, and called upon teh EAM and US authorities to take action against the culprits.

Speaking to ANI, Longowal said, "It is very unfortunate that Sikhs are being killed this way in the US. Sikhs have dona lot for the US, both economically and socially. I appeal to EAM Sushma Swaraj and the US Ambassador in India to put an end to this immediately."

Authorities have not arrived at a conclusion about the death yet. The police are investigating the matter.

On August 6, a 71-year-old Sikh man was attacked in California's Manteca by two youths, one of whom was later identified as Union City Police Chief Darryl McAllister's estranged son Tyrone Keith McAllister. Both Tyrone and his accomplice were arrested.

On July 31, 50-year-old Surjit Malhi was attacked in California when he was raising campaign signs in support of Republican candidates.