ICHRA

Shillong Sikhs Need Support in Ongoing Crisis

Published by ICHRA on June 8, 2018

Shillong Sikhs Need Support in Ongoing Crisis

Global United Nations-Associated NGO UNITED SIKHS Launch “Feed-a-Family” Campaign

SHILLONG, INDIA – Today marks one week since a mob of 200-300 individuals gathered at Punjabi Lane and attacked police officers and residents near Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara. UNITED SIKHS arrived at ground zero the day after news broke, on June 1, at the direct request of local community leaders.

In continued support of relief efforts, UNITED SIKHS today launched its “Feed-a-Family” campaign, asking the public for donations, as daily wage earners have been unable to work during the crisis. The campaign has a goal of providing 350 Shillong families with fire extinguishers and enough food rations for one month.

“Through our mission to uplift those affected by disasters – both natural and man-made, such as Shillong – we continue to provide local residents with rations, fire safety equipment and training,” said Mohinder Jit Singh, UNITED SIKHS Relief Coordinator. “As the world is watching the ongoing crisis, we urge the public for their support.”

The global nonprofit organization continues to provide humanitarian aid and is actively assisting community leaders in meetings with its partners in government to achieve a peaceful resolution. On June 6, the anniversary of the assault on the sacred Darbar Sahib Golden Temple, UNITED SIKHS provided enough dry food, including lentils and rice, to feed 5,000 residents at Punjabi Lane.

In addition, the organization has provided households with fire extinguishers and fire safety training, as they have expressed concerns over constant threats of petrol bombs, tear gas and lack of resources.

“We have reached out to local officials requesting additional security,” continued Mohinder Jit Singh. “Conflicting news reports are claiming the Sikh community has not been attacked, and this is completely contrary to what we are seeing on the ground. The community had to rescue themselves from fires using buckets of water, as the fire brigade was unavailable when the mob violence first occurred.”

On June 5, Mr. Singh met with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and translated concerns expressed by the community, stating “Sikhs had never been asked to leave Islamic countries, like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq or Pakistan but are being asked to leave their homes in Shillong, where they have lived for decades.”

Following the meeting, UNITED SIKHS issued the following statement: “As global human rights advocates, we are grateful for the collaboration and partnership we have now established with Chief Minister Sangma and local authorities.”

UNITED SIKHS are calling for support to help mediate the situation and bring all affected parties together. The organization continues to actively urge residents to refrain from engaging in violence while remaining steadfast in its mission to advocate for minority communities in need around the world. It will continue to provide updates from Ground Zero on the UNITED SIKHS website, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

To support the campaign to “Feed-A-Family,” please visit: https://unitedsikhs.org/donate.php.

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