AMRITSAR: Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj, Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, strongly condemned the brutal hate attack on 70-year-old Sikh, Harpal Singh, in North Hollywood, California, USA.
He stated that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and American investigative agencies must ensure the accused person receives a strict and exemplary punishment. Jathedar Gargajj said it is essential to understand the intent behind the attack and that it should be recorded as a hate crime.
According to information, Harpal Singh was walking near Saticoy Street and Lankershim Boulevard when an individual attacked him with a golf club, inflicting severe injuries. He is currently battling for his life in hospital. A suspect has been apprehended by the LAPD and the police must reveal his motive behind this attack.
Jathedar Gargajj noted that, according to the FBI’s 2024 hate crime report, while hate crimes against Sikhs in the USA have slightly decreased, Sikhs remain the third most-targeted religious group, which is a grave concern. The FBI report records 153 hate crime incidents against Sikhs in 2024 alone.
He stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts worldwide, including in the USA, to raise awareness about Sikh identity in order to curb such attacks.
He asked Sikh organisations in the USA to make special efforts to educate the American public about Sikh identity and, in case of difficulties, to seek the support of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
He also called on Sikhs living in the USA to unite against such incidents, raise their voice with local authorities and governments, and demand enhanced security measures in their residential areas. Jathedar Gargajj further advised Sikhs abroad to be Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs, remain alert, equipped, and armed so they can defend themselves in such situations. Families should avoid sending elderly members out alone, and walks should be taken in places or parks where other people are present, he said.
Calling the attack on one Sikh an attack on the entire community, Jathedar Gargajj emphasised that such matters must be dealt with at a community-level and with utmost seriousness.
He asked Government of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to ensure through the Indian mission in the USA that the assault on S. Harpal Singh is officially recorded as a hate crime and that strict action is taken against the perpetrator.
He also assured S. Harpal Singh’s family that in this difficult time, Sri Akal Takht Sahib and the entire Sikh community is standing with them and will raise their voice at every level.
Jathedar Gargajj directed the SGPC to correspond with India’s Ministry of External Affairs to ensure stringent action against the accused.