Why do Sikhs also experience anti-Muslim violence and hate?

A decision not to charge a 17-year-old with a hate crime contradicts Illinois hate crimes law, according to the Sikh Coalition. On September 8, Inderjit Singh Mukker, 53, and a father of two, faced of torrent of racist abuse when driving down a Chicago suburb. Shouts of “Terrorist!” “Bin Laden!” “Go back to your country!”came from the car behind. Mukker pulled over when the vehicle began tailgaiting; instead of passing by, the driver got out and reached into Mukker’s car to assault him. The Coalition claim that Mukker required treatment for a fractured cheekbone, bruising and blood loss and six stitches for the lacerations on his face. In a statement, Harsimran Kaur, of the Sikh Coalition said: “In fact, in my many years of representing hate crime victims, the hate crimes charge is as clear and as obvious as it gets. To ignore the racial element of the crime sends a clear message that State’s Attorney Robert Berlin is not interested in protecting vulnerable communities.” “I am appalled and disgusted by this decision,” said the victim, Mr Mukker. “What happened to me on Tuesday night is the definition of hate.” The attack on Mukker is a synechode. It forms the [...]

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Derby’s first free Sikh school set to open in spite of land problems

Derby’s first free Sikh school still intends to open in September despite council opposition. Akaal Primary school opens its doors in September on the grounds of the city’s national Sikh museum. Lord Nash, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, wrote to Derby City Council requesting permanent land for the school. A request now under review as they explore their legal position. The council insists that extra primary school places are not required. Dr Daljit Singh Virk, one of the school’s insisted that a ‘political game’ is at hand due to the local and national political divide. In spite of its Sikh ethos, the school offers 50 per cent of places to non-Sikhs. It also offers optional ‘Sikh studies’ outside of school hours alongside an ‘inclusive vegetarian food policy’. The curriculum promises a ‘Sikh ethos and a strong focus on literacy development. Our curriculum will be broad, balanced and thematic’. It will be the first East Midlands school to follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years programme. By 2020, the school hopes to offer places to 420 students in the region. In a statement, the National Secular Society took a critical stance in line with broader criticisms of faith schools.

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Meet the Sikh volunteers feeding the homeless in London

A key pillar of Sikhism asks followers to ‘share the fruits of one’s labour with others before considering oneself’ – inspires a selflessness and sense of community that goes beyond faith and ethnicity. Jagdeep Singh Sohal, 31, from Ilford, along with 15 volunteers, joined together with the Midland Langar Seva Society to feed 30 homeless individuals in Ilford, London. Nor does the support stop there as volunteers tidy up any leftover mess. Video of the event. Photos of the event. The idea was born from a discussion Sohal and other worshippers at Singh Sabha London East, High Road in Seven Kings, had about “giving back” to the community while using the gurdwara’s gym facilities. In time, the group hopes to extend its service to other London boroughs, as others express interest in supporting the project, including local businesses keen to donate food to expand their operation. Sohal told the Ilford Recorder: “This is just one way of helping out. It’s our duty to help people whether they’re Christian, Sikh or Muslim, it’s for everyone and we’re just tying to make a difference”. The group distribute every Tuesday at 8pm. To get involved call 077 9162 9666.  

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Adab Research Report

A PERSPECTIVE OF SIKH & MUSLIM RELATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM & CAUSES OF TENSIONS & MISTRUST BETWEEN THE TWO COMMUNITIES Click to view report The Adab (Respect) research report builds on the work that Faith Matters undertook in Corrymeela in 2008 where a group of Sikhs and Muslims took part in facilitated discussions sessions […]