Gurdwaras condemn Sikh assault in England

Washington Metropolitan Gurdwara Federation has expressed shock and dismay at forcibly chopping off a Sikh boy's hair in Edinburgh.

Washington Metropolitan Gurdwara Federation has expressed shock and dismay at forcibly chopping off a Sikh boy's hair in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

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In a statement, the Federation appealed to the law enforcement agencies and the local government to step up their efforts to nab the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

According to a report, a Sikh teenager was assaulted, dishonoured and left traumatised after being set upon by a racist gang who pinned him down to the floor and viciously cut off his Kesh (unshorn hair) in an Edinburgh park.

The statement said, "This incident has shocked the entire Sikh community world wide. Unshorn hair (kesh) is part of Sikh identity and is an integral part of the Sikh spiritual practice. Any forcible removal of hair is considered an utmost insult and direct attack on the free practice of religion.

Sikhs have enjoyed the religious freedom guaranteed in the Western democracies. UK in particular is home to over 700,00 Sikhs who are law abiding citizens and they have contributed greatly to the society there.