LOS ANGELES: After the verdict against Rodney King, which acquitted four L.A Police Officers Of the use of excessive force, L.A. was set ablaze. Riots engulfed the city, 8000 fires in L.A. County and 2000 in Long Beach area were Reported; Total 58 dead, 26 Black and 10 White, 18 Latino and 4 are Asians. Looting was concentrated in South Central L.A., Crenshaw, Hollywood, Mid-Wilshire, Compton area, although it was Spread all over, 1700 persons were injured and 120 were in critical Condition, 5200 buildings were damaged total. About 2000 fire fighters from 92 different cities were busy fighting arson, 23,000 police, national guards and federal troops were deployed to bring calm to the area,
Police tried to recover the merchandise from the apartments but later on abandoned the idea as they needed fleets of trucks and Police force to do that. Police have tried to identify some of the miscreants after seeing the video of incidents. On May 12 they arrested four people who were involved in the beating and killing of different people. The process would go on to apprehend more and more criminals.
Some believe the inactivity of police was a reason the riots spread. The police Chief Daryl Gates is believed to have intentionally let things happen so that Mayor Bradley would get a bad name. Also he is considered a root cause. He gave training -to police officers who use excessive force against minorities and blacks.
Quite a few Indian and Sikh business men have been affected although Koreans became the main targets. Gurshan Singh Nat lost his two, 7-11 stores, Harnek S.Thiara one store, Ravi Grewal one store, Bhatia lost his famous India Oven Restaurant, Harkirat Singh Bhasin lost his garments factory and store. Gurcharan Nat said, “I have been in business eight years and all of my efforts and labor are gone, insurance may cover loss, but until the establishment of my new business we will have no income, Unfortunately our expenses remain.”
Paramjit Singh and his brother, Baljinder Singh said although they approached the police the police refused to assist them. They were the owners of the Good & Natural Health Food Store. P. Singh said, “We don’t hope for big help like the president promised but with hard work and low interest loans from the S.B.A. we might get back on our feet we look forward to that.”
Bhasin said, “Sikhs believe in the grace of God, even through hardship they will come back.
We condemn the violent scenes we witnessed which were shocking and terrible and we hope to never see such again,”
Surinder S.Sidhu, owner of the Golden Jugin Glendale had a better story tolerate, when things started looking as though trouble would spread the locals approached him and stayed to protect his business. The community said, “lets take care of you.”
Gursharan S, Nat , Bhatia and others met the attorneys of the Hanilal Group. Some suggestions were given such as: don’t make any written statement without the help of your attorney. Try to get video and pictures of losses, ask your creditors to delay the acceptance of payments. Don’t use any Attomey who wants more than 10% of the total settlement. You can consult the city and county attorneys free for one hour each. If not satisfied go to Orange County attorneys and get another two hours of free consultation. Dr.Gurinder Singh Grewal, N.S .Somal and the Manager of W.S.N. were here in L.A. to talk to people who were affected. They extended personal sympathies and any help that World Sikh News could offer. Gursharan Singh Nat & Ravinder S. Grewal thanked them and requested they keep the Sikh Sangat informed about all this,
Note: Of all Indian businesses burned, approximately 90% were owned by Sikhs. We offer our sincere sympathy to those who suffered losses during this time,
Article extracted from this publication >> May 22, 1992
