Established in 1961, the largest Sikh Gurdwara in Smethwick, Birmingham in the United Kingdom, The Guru Nanak Gurdwara, lite up in colours of the French flag on Sunday, in solidarity with the victims of Paris terrorist attacks. The Gurdwara is the first Sikh temple which was established in the United Kingdom almost 54 years ago. […]
Established in 1961, the largest Sikh Gurdwara in Smethwick, Birmingham in the United Kingdom, The Guru Nanak Gurdwara, lite up in colours of the French flag on Sunday, in solidarity with the victims of Paris terrorist attacks.
The Gurdwara is the first Sikh temple which was established in the United Kingdom almost 54 years ago.
The spokesperson at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Smethwick, said that the Sikh temple condemns ‘violence by the terrorists and hatred’ in Paris that claimed lives of 129 people.
Gurdwara President Bhai Malkit Singh Tehang said, “Here in UK we are following the terrible news from Paris.
We are shocked by this violence and hatred and we strongly condemn the attack, along with all those who love peace. We pray for the victims and the wounded, and for all the French people, we offer our condolences to the friends and families who have lost loved ones”.
“This is an attack on humanity and peace for all, and it requires a decisive, supportive response on the part of all of us, as we counter the spread of hatred in all forms,” he said.
He added: “There is no religious or human justification for it.”
On the decision of the Gurdwara to light up in French flag colours, he said, ” Smethwick gurdwara in UK is the largest and the oldest one and it went blue, white and red in solidarity with the people of France following the Paris terror attacks. It is a landmark building which sets an example for Sikhs around the globe especially in UK and European nations. Last month we had lit up the building in pink to mark breast cancer awareness month.
But this is to send a strong message against terrorism and that Sikh community is standing with every nation facing brutality. Terrorism is simply unacceptable.”
~ Source – Indian Express