Posted in ICHRAPress Release
File Image: Parmjit Singh with his wife
MAY 14, 2021
Dallas, Texas
On May 5, 2021, Parmjit Singh was shot at his place of business and died as a result of his injuries. His murder in Dallas, Texas last week left local police unable to disclose his identity or the fact that he is Sikh. Crimestoppers is offering $5,000.00 for information. Mr. Singh was a pillar of the Sikh community and will be missed.
UNITED SIKHS has been consistently providing assistance to the family and stands in solidarity in this time of need. The team has been in constant communication with his daughter, Harman Kaur. Ms. Kaur is the General Secretary of the Americas Region for the World Sikh Parliament. She expressed that her dedication stemmed from her father’s commitment to the community. She stated that he trained his children to do panthic work and encouraged them to spread Sikhism. Among Mr. Singh’s many contributions were works in India like setting up free eye camps, supporting the Oklahoma teachers’ protest by taking langar to the protest and assisting in the April 29th, 2021 Vaisakhi proclamation at the Oklahoma State Capital. Ms. Kaur reiterated, “We will not rest until we get justice and I will make sure to continue my father’s legacy.”
UNITED SIKHS extends its sincerest sympathies to Mr. Parmjit Singh’s family and renews calls to Congress to enact common-sense gun control measures that can be universally agreed upon. In the last 72 hours, there have been at least 30 incidents of gun violence in Texas. In the same week that Mr. Singh was murdered, a 29-year old man was shot and killed by the police. He had been taken to a hospital the night before for a mental health evaluation but was released by the hospital. Mere hours later, the police were called to the 29-year old’s home because he had fired several rounds from a gun. This time, the man was shot and killed by the police. The 29-year old was the only one injured and killed. The following day, two deputy sheriffs and a city employee were shot while investigating a dog complaint. The deputy sheriffs died and the city employee is hospitalized in critical condition. Four people dead and one critically injured in a span of a few days, all as a result of gun violence. We implore Congress and our local officials to make gun enforcement a priority and to remove guns from the hands of those who are prone to senselessly hurt others.
“As a nation, we must certainly look at some of the loopholes in the gun laws,” states Mr. Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS International Humanitarian Aid Director. “Removing semi-automatic and automatic weapons from the reach of young adults and guns from the reach of persons with convictions for violent criminal acts other than domestic violence, are such loopholes, for example,” states Wanda Sanchez Day, UNITED SIKHS National Legal Director and CLO.
“To address violence, focus also needs to be placed on education about acceptance of cultural and gender differences from an early age to develop healthy acceptance of others and on promoting diversity in all civic and business life so everyone feels included,” states Manvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS Advocacy Director.
As always, we call on everyone to practice their faith fearlessly. If there is ever an instance where you feel threatened, or suspect anything suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately. If you have any questions or feel you may have had your civil rights violated do not hesitate to reach out to us.
UNITED SIKHS
Gundeep Singh
Media Coordinator
