Sikh Sangat News Celebrating Sikh culture and sharing Sikh voices
Stockton, California: Members of Sikh American community and Sikh Chamber of Commerce express their profound sorrow at the senseless tragedy that has befallen the entire Newton community. A gunman opened fire at a Connecticut elementary school where his mother worked, killing 26 people, including 20 children, law-enforcement officials with knowledge of the matter said. The shooter was found dead inside the school and another person was found dead elsewhere in Newtown, putting the total toll at 28.
“This is a tragic incident, especially since it happened in an elementary school. Children are future hope of our country and they are fundamental pillars of US society,” said Secretary of Sikh Chamber of Commerce Bhurwinder Singh Chahal.
Being the representative of several Sikh owned businesses in United States, Sikh Chamber of Commerce feels that now is the time to modify and change gun law.
“How many more deaths do we need to see in order to act practically against relaxed gun laws? High profile guns such as AK-47s belong in the hands of soldiers, not in the hands of criminals who roam streets of our cities,” said Dr. Paramjit Singh from Sacramento.
“We want stricter gun controls and if such issues remain unchecked, it will jeopardize and endanger the future of our country.” said Vicky Singh, a small business owner and a member of Sikh Chamber of Commerce.
Sikh community welcomes President Barack Obama’s message that he would push for greater gun controls, saying there had been ‘too many’ mass shootings in America and the time had come to ‘take meaningful action to prevent more tragedies like this, regardless of the politics’.
Sikh Chamber of Commerce plans to initiate a community awareness program against guns and they are planning to contact local representatives to raise and support any legislation that supports strict gun laws in congress.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, the families and Newton community. We wish a quick recovery to those who were injured and extend our sympathies to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. My Christmas is going to be a lot different this year as I will be thinking about those victims who were looking forward to enjoy Christmas this year,” said the Central Valley Coordinator of UNITED SIKHS, Satnam Singh.
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless tragedy with so many of the victims being children. I will never understand what drives people to commit these actions,” says Aman Singh from CLA Realty.
Source: Sikh Chamber of Commerce
Photo: AP Photo/Newtown Bee, Shannon Hick
