Dear Editor, ‘This is in response to the additional “Matters of Concern” published in your newspaper of May 7, 1993. While agreeing that the violence at the Gurdwara Sahib of Sikh Foundation of Virginia (SFV) in Greater Washington area is of grave concern to the local Sikh community and also at large to Sikh community in North America, the article unfortunately reacted to the “Symptom” and did not care to look at the “disease.”
The Gurdwaras in North America have been serving the community since many years by providing religious, social, cultural and educational opportunities, however, over past some months.
Violent and militant activities of a small group of Sikhs are the main cause of the problem.
‘The Sikh Foundation of Virginia has been very proud in promoting teachings and principals of Gurus and a well knitted community was enjoying a peaceful and harmonious togetherness in the community, It constituted well established rules and regulations, but a small group of Sikhs, through force and violence, has started creating disruptions in Gurdwara Sahib programs. A small group is being exploited by a few individuals (ex-trustees) who have completed their tenure but would like to stick to power. They claim to fight for human nights for Sikhs in India,
But at the same token, they deprive other’s rights through disturbing Kirtan Programs of in-house Gianiji and visiting ragis in the Darbar Hall as has been the case in Sikh Foundation of Virginia. Here, it did not end. These Sikhs brutally attacked the persons in congregation including a lady who was saving her semiconscious husband. These Sikhs do not have respect for rules and regulations or law and order. This should be the “matter of concern” to the writer. The Sikh community should’ stand up and fight this tyranny and militancy.
Balwinder Singh Fairfax, Virginia.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 28, 1993
