Sikh community gathers in Smethwick in solidarity with woman who was raped in racially-motivated attack
Hundreds of members of the Black Country Sikh community came together in a mass show of support for a woman who was raped in a racially-aggravated attack.
More than 500 people gathered at the Lions of the Great War outside the Guru Nanak Gurdwara on Smethwick High Street on Sunday (September 14) before heading to Tame Road in Oldbury where the attack occurred.
Those in attendance carried placards in support of the woman, who was sexually assaulted, raped and beaten in the attack on Tuesday morning (September 9).
During the attack, the perpetrators reportedly shouted "you don’t belong in this country, get out" at the victim.
It sparked horror and outrage in the Sikh community, and people spoke out at the Smethwick gathering against violence and intolerance.
Kuldeep Singh Deol, Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick education secretary and former president, said: “This attack on our sister is shameful.
"Our daughters, sisters, and mothers deserve to be safe, regardless of colour or which faith they belong to.
"Why insult the very women who give birth to kings? Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the First Guru of the Sikhs, taught us the dignity and equality of women.
"Girls and women, especially, should feel safe in our society.
"Our politicians are failing us, creating divides instead of building bridges and solutions.
"Local politicians must step up and do more to protect and unite our communities.”
Narinderjit Singh, stage secretary for Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, said: "In modern Britain, hate crimes targeting women from minority communities are a disgrace to the values this nation claims to uphold.
"Such acts have no place in a society that prides itself on justice and inclusivity.
"They must be condemned in the strongest possible terms by our political leaders, not with hesitation, but with unwavering resolve."
Sangat Singh, member of the congregation, said: "This was a vile act of racial hatred and sexual violence.
"Sikhs have stood for this nation, from Saragarhi to the World Wars, earning Victoria Crosses for bravery. We are proud citizens, contributing through the NHS, in business, and across British society.
"This was not only an attack on our community, but a violation of a woman’s dignity, and it must be met with justice.
"We have as much right to this country, and its symbols, as anyone else and we will not tolerate extremism in its name."
Jatinder Singh, president of Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick, said: "We as Sikhs stand united against the racist and sexual attack on our sister in Oldbury.
"This was an assault on all Sikhs, women, and human dignity. Inspired by our Gurus, we reject hatred, demand justice and commit to action through protest, education, unity and resilience."
Anyone with information on the attack in Oldbury can contact West Midlands Police via 101 quoting log 798 of September 9.
