Statement on Violence Against Sikh Community in New York

The Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) strongly denounces the brutal assault on two Sikh men in Richmond Hill, New York.

In recent weeks, three elderly Sikh men have been victims of physical violence in the same New York neighborhood.

The victims of the most recent assault on April 13 were in their 60’s and 70’s. They were robbed, beaten, and had their turbans ripped off. This comes less than ten days after 70-year-old Nirmal Singh, who was visiting from India, was punched in the face while on a walk. The two men were taken to the hospital in stable condition. 

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is investigating these incidents as possible hate crimes. IAMC stands in solidarity with the Sikh community and urges the NYPD to conduct a thorough investigation to prosecute the accused to the full extent of the law.