US embassy officials attend prayer ceremony for Sikh victims

Officials from the US Embassy in Delhi today took part in a prayer ceremony held at the Golden Temple here in the memory of the six Sikhs killed by an alleged racist at a Wisconsin gurdwara on August 5.

Representative of US ambassador to India Nancy Powell, First Secretary, Political, Chad A Thornberry and A Sukesh, Advisor political affairs at the US Embassy attended the ceremony on the invitation of Shriomani Gurdwara Pharbandhak Committee (SGPC).

Addressing the gathering of Sikhs at Manji Sahib Diwan Hall in the Golden Temple complex, Thornberry expressed solidarity with the community and paid homage to the victims.

He also delivered the message of US Ambassador Nancy Powell, who expressed sympathy with the victims.

SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar said the security should be further tightened across Sikh religious shrines in the US so that there is no repeat of the Wisconsin gurdwara incident.

Makkar said assurance in this context was given to him by US envoy Nancy Powell during his recent visit to Delhi.

He informed that the SGPC would provide a financial assistance to the families of those killed in the incident.

Six people were killed in an attack on a gurdwara during prayers in Wisconsin by a one gunman who was also shot dead on August 5.

At least 20 people were also injured when a shooter opened fire indiscriminately.