Ban the Kirpan - Ravidass Protest London
A protest rally was held in Central London by the followers of the Dera Sach Khand on 14th June, This rally was organised in protest following the attacks and the subsequent death of one of the sect leaders in Vienna in May 2009.The rally attracted approx 2500 people from across the UK and possibly Europe. Photos of the late Rama nand were being carried by the procession.
A group of 8 young Singhs attended the rally to hand out leaflets of promote peace and harmony. This action was taken due to the amount of misreporting and it would seem misrepresentation of the facts by some anti Sikh elements. These Sikhs attempted to distribute leaflets to those in the procession to highlight that there is no need for violence or aggression as this will create further problems, a copy of the leaflets intended for distribution is attached to this email.
However it is very disheartening to report that these young singhs were met with aggression and hostility, despite an intimidating reception the Singhs continued in their efforts to hand out the leaflets.
As the rally reached the Haymarket area these Singhs were physically manhandled by the stewards and some members of the procession, following continuous compliants to the police by members of the procession the Police dragged the Singhs away and they were told to stop distributing leaflets.
There were leaflets being distributed by the rally organisers which were calling for " BAN ON THE KILLING WEAPONS ", this statement is obviously aimed at banning the Sri Sahib, the reverse side of the leaflet was in Panjabi and there was a description of the attack in Vienna. The exact words from the leaflets were " some of the members of the Sangat in Vienna saw 5-6 men with Distars and each wearing 2 Sri Sahibs... "There were also placards with colour photos of Sri Sahibs with slogans " Ban These Killing weapons "..
Within the rally there was a call for a "separate granth " , which seemed very inflammatory and an attempt to provoke the Singhs. The Singhs then stood on side of the road displaying handwritten signs " Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji " and "Sikhism has no caste ". The protesters were extremely hostile and some were even swearing at the Singhs who were standing peacefully on the pavement. The crowd was shouting Jo Bole So nawae, Guru Ravidass ji ki Jai., the Singhs ended the day with Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal !!
It is a shame that the followers of this sect choose to act in this way and continue with their efforts to provoke negative reaction from the Sikh community.
More...
A protest rally was held in Central London by the followers of the Dera Sach Khand on 14th June, This rally was organised in protest following the attacks and the subsequent death of one of the sect leaders in Vienna in May 2009.The rally attracted approx 2500 people from across the UK and possibly Europe. Photos of the late Rama nand were being carried by the procession.
A group of 8 young Singhs attended the rally to hand out leaflets of promote peace and harmony. This action was taken due to the amount of misreporting and it would seem misrepresentation of the facts by some anti Sikh elements. These Sikhs attempted to distribute leaflets to those in the procession to highlight that there is no need for violence or aggression as this will create further problems, a copy of the leaflets intended for distribution is attached to this email.
However it is very disheartening to report that these young singhs were met with aggression and hostility, despite an intimidating reception the Singhs continued in their efforts to hand out the leaflets.
As the rally reached the Haymarket area these Singhs were physically manhandled by the stewards and some members of the procession, following continuous compliants to the police by members of the procession the Police dragged the Singhs away and they were told to stop distributing leaflets.
There were leaflets being distributed by the rally organisers which were calling for " BAN ON THE KILLING WEAPONS ", this statement is obviously aimed at banning the Sri Sahib, the reverse side of the leaflet was in Panjabi and there was a description of the attack in Vienna. The exact words from the leaflets were " some of the members of the Sangat in Vienna saw 5-6 men with Distars and each wearing 2 Sri Sahibs... "There were also placards with colour photos of Sri Sahibs with slogans " Ban These Killing weapons "..
Within the rally there was a call for a "separate granth " , which seemed very inflammatory and an attempt to provoke the Singhs. The Singhs then stood on side of the road displaying handwritten signs " Dhan Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji " and "Sikhism has no caste ". The protesters were extremely hostile and some were even swearing at the Singhs who were standing peacefully on the pavement. The crowd was shouting Jo Bole So nawae, Guru Ravidass ji ki Jai., the Singhs ended the day with Jo Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal !!
It is a shame that the followers of this sect choose to act in this way and continue with their efforts to provoke negative reaction from the Sikh community.
More...