wmsikhsocs Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 PRESS RELEASE -FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- ARSON Attack on Wolverhampton Sikh Gurdwara. Local priests in narrow escape 20th April 2006 Bilston, West Midlands - Three Sikh Priests were led to safety last night following an arson attempt on a Sikh Gurdwara in Bilston. The emergency services were called out just before 0100 BST to put out fires started using two large bins placed in front of the two doors of the Temple. Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, Arthur Street is close to Bilston town centre and was attacked in what is thought to have been a racially motivated act of violence. Local residents are reported to have seen three youths running away from the Gurdwara and alerted the fire crew accordingly. The prompt response of the residents played a large part in saving the lives of the three men. Two fires were started at separate parts of the Temple. The main worship room was saved from the fire by the aluminum shutters in place in front of the main entrance of the Gurdwara itself. The second fire burned through a side door where it spread into the communal kitchens and onto the second floor on which the priests sleeping quarters are situated. Initial estimates place the cost of damages caused by the attack at around £20,000. The three priests were treated for smoke inhalation and shock. Two of the priests have spoken to local residents about the trauma caused to them as a result of the arson attack. Gianni (Priest) Manohar Singh explained that although there have been incidents of racial abuse in the past, nothing was as severe as this attack, “We have received verbal and physical abuse from youths before but nothing of this level…I don’t understand what we have done to deserve this. How will be sleep at night now?†The second Priest, Gianni Tirath Singh feared for his life after he awoke to the fire burning throughout the Gurdwara. While speaking with local residents he exclaimed : “I could see nothing but smoke around me, I couldn’t breathe and thought that this is it, we were going to die for sure.†West Midlands Police are treating the crime as a suspected arson attack and appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information they may have by ringing Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Since 9/11 and the recent London bombings there has been an increased number of attacks on the local Sikh community in the area. Community leaders and multi faith networks are aware of the situation and are providing their full support. The community is devastated by the recent incident. -30- 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 20, 2006 Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 really sad, similiar incident occured in british columbia, Canada...these damn racist people..! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueSouluk Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Gets me vexed. - 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystical Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Why isnt there any english speaking ganiyah? So what ever guest comes in wouldnt feel like if their in a different country? Then maybe people would have a better idea about sikhi. Everyones too quick to say its racism, they attack us because they dont have an idea to who we are. And plus there is no description of the people that attacked the Gurdwara. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palm_w1 Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 Everyones too quick to say its racism, they attack us because they dont have an idea to who we are. I would say attacking people due to ignorance is racism. To say I attack you because you are different is racist. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystical Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I would say attacking people due to ignorance is racism. To say I attack you because you are different is racist. When was Sikhi ever a race? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
palm_w1 Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 According to UK law since the house of lords said so. But i see your point. However an attack on the basis of religion (which this seems to be) is just as bad as an attack based upon the colour of someones skin. Ignorance of Sikhi is something that is widespread, partially due to the sikhs themselves, however this in no way justifies these sorts of cowardly attacks. I don't know much about Judaism but that doesn't mean I should go around burning down synagogues. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystical Posted April 21, 2006 Report Share Posted April 21, 2006 I don't know much about Judaism but that doesn't mean I should go around burning down synagogues. True. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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