Sikhs most peaceable and loving people: Coons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 by Balbir Singh (Punjabnewswire4u)
INDIANAPOLIS, AUG 12
 Gary S Coons, Chief Division of Homeland Security, Department of Public Safety, City of Indianapolis today described the Sikh people as “among the most peaceable and loving individuals you can imagine, as is their faith.
 Speaking at the large number of gathering at the Sikh Youth Memorial and Candlelight Services function at the Indiana War Memorial here this evening in memory of those killed in shooting incident in Sikh Temple in Milwaukee, Wisconsin  on August 5, Coons said “Last Sunday was again a very sad day in our country. Our hearts break with the sadness of the unspeakable tragedy. My wife Trish and I join with Mayor’s office in providing our deepest condolences.”
 “We obviously have challenges around the country. As we memorialize the people who lost their lives at that Sikh temple, we also realize that protecting the religious and political rights of all people and preventing discriminations is not only integral part of Homeland Security but of the Sikh faith.”
Praising the Sikhs, Coons said: The Sikh community is well known in Indianapolis and across the country for their selfless service. The Sikh people are among the most peaceable and loving individuals you can imagine, as is their faith.
“The Sikh temples welcome visitors of any religious or socio-economic background. We are very thankful to have such a giving multi-cultural community in the city of Indianapolis and will continue to be of service for the greater citizens of the Sikh community.”
Coons also lauded and recognized the selfless service of Officer Bryan Murphy who was shot multiple times while ‘responding to the incident.”“We pray for Murphy and others who were shot a speedy recovery. At this time I ask that we remember those that loss of their life with a moment of silence,” concluded Gary Coons.
Speaking on the occasion, Indiana Sikh leader and artist Kanwal Parkash Singh said “we are not celebrating war, but praying for peace and goodwill among all cultures, faiths, communities and to extend a hand of friendship.”
 “We should learn about each other, discover common threads, spiritual ideas and cultural foundations that provide a sense of shared origin and international humanity.“We have echoes of what unites us at the very source of creation that makes us all brothers and sisters, children of the God,” said “KP” who is also an architect.
Singh stressed that “we should not be known by our attires but as a doctor, engineer, lawyer or businessman etc. Bishop Corlis Dees II Mar Paulus also joined the Sikh Youth Memorial and Candlelight Service.
Children were holding the photos of those killed in the shooting  while more than 250 people gathered to offer prayers and express solidarity among all communities. Among those present were  Sikh Sangat President Maninder Singh Walia, Manjinder Singh Gill, Sukhdev Singh Toor, Gurdev Singh Gill, Giani Pritam Singh, Jagdish Singh and Bal Sindal.