By Asia Samachar Team | MALAYSIA |
Sikhs organisations and prominent individuals in Asia have condemned resolutely the terror attacks on the Christchurch mosque yesterday (15 March 2019) and called for everyone to embrace the oneness of humanity, a core principle of Guru Nanak.
When reached out by Asia Samachar, one ringing message from many was the need to see the brotherhood in all.
The shootings during Friday prayers has left at least 49 dead and 40 injured. It was New Zealand’s worst mass shooting.
Malaysian Armed Forces Sikh Veterans Association (MAFSVA) deputy president Maj (Rtd) Harjit Singh Rendawa said the premeditated murders in Christchurch were nothing more than an act by cowards of twisted minds.
“It’s a personification of extremism and racism into white supremacist. Blinded by hate and ego, they took so many innocent lives. A sad day for mankind,” he said.
Reiterating the message of oneness, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) jathedar Dr Jasbir Singh said: “God is One, see God in all.”
SNSM is a Kuala Lumpur-based organisation that caters to the youth with Sikh camps and other programmes.
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Inderjit Singh, former Singapore lawmaker and entrepreneur, said everyone was saddened that innocent people became the target of hate.
“Guru Nanak taught us about One Humanity and the Universal brotherhood of all mankind. I wish all of us embrace this concept of One Humanity and show love for everyone and not hate,” he said.
He added that governments around the world should focus on integration of all communities who live on their shores.
“Like Singapore, all countries and leaders need to be proactive to promote religious and racial harmony. We are thankful that in Singapore we have build deep bonds among all communities and each of us are focused on maintaining the strong bonds – both the people and the government.
“All of us need to be personally involved if we want peace and harmony,” he said in a text message. Inderjit is the longest-serving Sikh parliamentarian in Singapore.
Auckland-based Member of Parliament (MP) Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi emphasised that New Zealand wasa country which a high degree of social harmony.
“New Zealanders welcome all people with open arms. Migrants are not made to feel that they are living in another country,” he told SBS Punjabi in an interview.
“I sincerely hope that our Muslim community feels that the entire country supports them and also that such an incident is not repeated anywhere in the world….I want to assure the Muslim community in New Zealand that is their home and we are behind them,” added Kanwaljit who is also the shadow spokesman for internal affairs and justice.
HEINOUS ATTACK
Humanitarian relief outfit United Sikhs has requested the New Zealand’s Ministry of Justice to ensure that all community centers and houses of worship are protected, safe and to ensure that justice prevails.
In a statement, it has also called the Sikh communities around the world to stay vigilant, and be aware of surroundings at their gurdwaras.
“Hate in any form is unacceptable. The Sikh community condemns this incident and stands in solidarity with the families impacted,” said Inderjit Singh, the director of United Sikhs in New Zealand.
Malaysian Gurdwaras Council (MGC) president Jagir said: “This is a heinous attack on a place of worship targeting innocent worshippers. This terrorist attack should be condemned by all peace loving people.”
In a statement released yesterday, the Sikh Advisory Board Singapore condemned the terror attack and expressed ‘our solidarity with our Muslim friends and the families of victims and condemn the senseless and reckless act’.
“It is important that we, in Singapore, stay united and work closely, among faith groups and communities, to strengthen our bonds,” it said.
As New Zealanders and global citizens marshall on in the aftermath of the traumatic incident, SNSM’s Jasbir said: “Our brothers and sisters in NZ, stay strong in this challenging times. We pray for your well being.”
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Sikh Advisory Board Singapore condemn terror attacks on Christchurch mosques (Asia Samachar, 15 March 2019)