UNITED SIKHS Urges to Promote Peace and be Vigilant

Curfew in 40 Cities of USA. In the Fight Against Injustice, UNITED SIKHS Urges to Promote Peace and Alerts to be Vigilant on Possible Attacks against religious centers.

June 1st, 2020, New York, NY: UNITED SIKHS is deeply saddened by the outbreak of violence in more than 40 cities in the United States. Our organization strives to promote the idea of “Recognizing the human race as one.” We urge people to spread peace and promote love as a response to hatred and injustice.

Responding to the current situation in the U.S., the UNITED SIKHS Chief Legal Officer, Wanda Sanchez Day said, “With the COVID -19  pandemic and the current civil unrest affecting small businesses, communities, gurdwaras and places of worship across the country, political leaders are reacting in ways the community should know about and prepare for. We pray and hope for peace to prevail and urge Gurdwaras and other religious institutions to stay alert.”

On May 25, 2020 the existence of systematic racism and deep-rooted discrimination came again into the limelight with the death of George Floyd, a 46-year old, African-American man.  The death of George Floyd, who died in police custody after a white officer kneeled on his neck while he laid on the ground and cried out for air and water, has sparked widespread violent protests in dozens of American cities. In a video recorded by a bystander, Mr. Floyd is heard saying he could not breathe. Four police officers – Derek Chauvin, Tomas Lane, Tou Thao and J. Alexander Kueng – were fired from the police force Tuesday. Chauvin, who had 18 prior complaints against him, was arrested Friday and charged with murder in the third degree.

This ghastly and terrible incident sent shockwaves across the world as people united to raise their voices against injustice and police oppression.   UNITED SIKHS offers sincere sympathy to the Floyd family.  

The civil protests turned violent as agitated civilians took to the streets and demonstrated against police brutality.  Cities like New York, Seattle, Philadelphia and Minneapolis witnessed the most violence and some protesters across the country set fire to a number of retail chain stores and other small businesses. A Minneapolis police precinct was also torched.

Meanwhile, UNITED SIKHS Advocacy Director, Jasmit Singh said, “the community needs information and we are here to help navigate through these events.   For example, recent court orders mandated the reinstatement of the primary elections in New York on June 23, 2020.  Registered voters should receive a form in the mail to request an absentee ballot. You may be able to vote by absentee ballot if you are affected by COVID or will be out of the county you reside in on that day.” According to government sources, the deadline for requesting the ballot is June 16.

In addition, said Mr. Singh, “due to the pandemic, and now the civil unrest, many States have implemented curfews and, previously, moratoriums were placed on civil litigation like foreclosures and eviction proceedings. Deadlines for filing of many legal documents have also been extended.”

If you or anyone you know needs legal assistance or information about your rights in connection with the current situation or about how to secure the Gurdwaras or your voting rights, please do not hesitate to reach out to UNITED SIKHS by writing to law-usa@unitedsikhs.org or call +1-888-243-1690.

Issued by
Manvinder Singh
Legal Director, UNITED SIKHS
E: law-usa@unitedsikhs.org
P: +1-888-243-1690, +1-646-315-3909
F:+1-810-885-42654
Recognize the Human Race as One