The Sikh community residing in New York City has called for enhanced security measures and safeguards in response to two recent incidents that are believed to be driven by hatred.
A gathering of Sikh community members and local traders took place in front of the Richmond Hill Gurudwara, where they vocalized their demand for increased protection against hate-driven crimes. CBS News reported the event on Friday.
Mani Singh Sandhu, a 19-year-old who was brutally assaulted while on an MTA bus just the previous week, expressed his concerns, saying, "I don't feel safe when I come out from home." He described the attack on the bus in Queens as deeply "disappointing."
Following this incident, the community faced yet another tragedy as 68-year-old Jasmer Singh lost his life in a road rage incident just four days later. The incident occurred when he was beaten severely. His wife was a witness to this brutal assault.
Subeg Multani, Singh's son, conveyed his distress and frustration that his father's death had not been classified as a hate crime. He explained, "He just hit my father so intensely, like so hard on his head. His two front teeth were taken out." Multani emphasized that this act should indeed be categorized as a hate crime, especially since the attacker had used derogatory language like "Turban man," targeting his father's Sikh identity.
Multani further revealed that he was actively urging the authorities to investigate the incident as a hate crime. He expressed his concerns about the authorities possibly making excuses to avoid such an investigation, a sentiment echoed by Japneet Singh.
The Sikh community in the United States, due to their distinctive religious attire, has experienced bias and hatred since the 9/11 attacks. This recent turn of events has reinstilled fear in their community.
Referring to the New York Police Department, Multani conveyed his disappointment, saying, "This is the NYPD's job to protect us. They failed to do so. They failed to do so."
Local activists have revealed their plans to initiate fundraising efforts for the establishment of a civilian patrol group. They noted that their decision was influenced by police data indicating a decrease in crime rates in areas where such civilian patrols have been implemented.
