Educate Americans about separate identity of Sikhs:Punjab govt

The NRI Affairs Minister Bikram Singh Majithia said that the United States should launch campaigns in association with Sikhs so that they could not be targeted as mistaken identity.

This was discussed in a meeting with American Republican and Former Congressman from Pennsylvania Curt Weldon, who called on Majithia here, an official spokesman said.

He said that it is the need of the hour to make aware Americans about the separate identity of Sikhs by launching community and confidence building programmes.

He said that Sikhs have contributed richly to the growth of the United States in the every sphere, be it agriculture, entrepreneurship, academics and their Armed Forces.

Talking about the Wisconsin incident of firing, Majithia said that it was very unfortunate that ever since the 9/11 attacks in 2001 in New York, the Sikhs were being targeted because of their attire and resemblance.

He also appreciated the gesture of the US President of ordering the National flag to be flown half mast in respect of the victims of the Gurdwara shooting incident.

Apprising Weldon about the basic infrastructure for investment and incentives being provided by the state government, Majithia sought more investments in Punjab.

He also informed Weldon regarding the initiatives taken by Punjab Government for the welfare of NRIs including separate NRI police station, Fast Track Courts and NRI Cards.

Lauding the contribution of Sikhs in the development and prosperity of America, Weldon said, that there was large and dense population of Sikhs settled in US and all the possible cooperation to Sikhs would be provided by US for safeguarding their interests.

Weldon also assured the Minister that US government would start special awareness campaigns and community programs soon.