Desecration and Arson Attack on Sikh Holy Scripture in Perth, Australia
Aug 31, 2024
City of Armadale, Perth, Australia
The Australian Sikh community is deeply distressed and appalled by the recent desecration and arson of the Sikh Scriptures. This reprehensible act, which has been captured on video and widely circulated on social media, shows the Sikh Gurdwara in Perth’s Canning Vale as the backdrop. This heinous act not only constitutes a severe affront to our religious beliefs but also threatens to incite hatred and disrupt harmony within our community. The video emerged on August 29, 2024, at 6 am local Perth time.
For Sikhs worldwide, the Guru Granth Sahib is not merely a scripture; it is our Eternal Guru and the embodiment of our spiritual teachings. An attack on the Sikh Scripture is an assault on the Sikh faith itself, causing deep emotional and spiritual harm. Such actions are regarded by the Sikh community with the utmost seriousness, comparable to an act of extreme violence or manslaughter. |
Manpreet Singh, a local community liaison and activist said, “This incident appears to be part of a broader and concerning pattern of targeted attacks aimed at Sikh scriptures, seemingly designed to sow discord and unrest within our community. The timing of the video’s release and its deliberate spread on social media suggest an intentional attempt to provoke and inflame religious sentiments within the Sikh community.”
In response to this grievous offense, the Australian Sikh community has acted promptly and cohesively. Within hours of the video’s emergence, community members gathered at Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) across the region in a unified show of strength and solidarity. During these gatherings, community members engaged in collective prayer and resolved to pursue justice. A lead committee of five respected Singhs has been established in Western Australia to lead efforts to seek accountability and ensure that such acts are not repeated. This initiative reflects the community’s resolve to uphold the sanctity of their faith and the safety of their places of worship.
We urge the authorities to take this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency. A thorough and immediate investigation must be launched to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for this abhorrent act. We call for swift and decisive action to prevent such incidents in the future and to ensure the perpetrators are held fully accountable under the law. The Sikh community expects a prompt and transparent report on the progress of the investigation and the steps being taken to safeguard our sacred scriptures and religious beliefs.
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In accordance with Australia’s robust legal framework, which includes strong provisions against religious vilification, we expect that those responsible for this act will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We also call upon all members of the Australian Sikh community to remain calm, show solidarity, and fully cooperate with the authorities. It is crucial that any relevant dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, or other potential evidence be shared with the police to assist in their investigation.
Sincerely,
Mandeep Singh
Advocacy Director
Perth, Australia
UNITED SIKHS
Recognise the Human Race as One