Hundreds of Sikhs converge on city for race attack vigil

Published on Saturday 18 November 2006 12:50

HUNDREDS of Sikhs from across Britain are set to converge on Edinburgh tomorrow to hold a peaceful vigil following a racist attack on a city teenager.

At least nine coach-loads of people are due to come from London and the Midlands to pray at the Sikh Temple in Sheriff Brae, Leith. They will then hold a four-hour candlelit vigil in Pilrig Park from 2pm, handing out flyers to passers-by.

There is understood to be concern among Edinburgh Sikh leaders that the vigil risks antagonising feelings in the city.

But the event has been organised by the London-based Sikh Human Rights Group and the British Organisation of Sikh Students (Boss), with the backing of other groups.

The 15-year-old Sikh victim of the racist attack was on his way to see relatives earlier this week when four white teenagers attacked him in Pilrig Park and cut his long hair with a knife.

The crime has shocked Sikhs across the country, particularly because the religion does not allow male followers to trim their hair.

Paman Singh, a law student from Glasgow and a member of Boss, said: "Already we have hundreds of people confirmed, and we're hoping to attract more people from all religions.

"After paying our respects at the temple, we want to promote peace and tolerance in Edinburgh.

"There has never been anything on this scale seen in Scotland. People all over Britain are shocked by what happened.

"In the history of Sikhism, people have died for their hair and it's a fundamental aspect of our religion set down by our gurus. It's really important people know how important hair is to us, so that's why we're holding the vigil."

Mr Singh said the family of the victim have given the event their blessing. Coaches are coming from Southall, Slough, Derby, West Bromwich, Walsall, Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Leicester and Glasgow.

A police spokesman said today: "We have extremely close links with the Sikh community in Edinburgh and they - like all other members of the community - have been shocked and outraged at what happened on Tuesday night.

"We have officers working extremely hard to track the culprits of this truly shocking crime. We have been in liaison with the Sikh community about the planned peaceful vigil this weekend."

Last Tuesday, the boy was walking towards the Balfour Place entrance of Pilrig Park when the gang began to shout racist abuse at him. He carried on walking but the youths set on him, punching and kicking him to the ground.

After the attack, which took place at 7.30pm, the teenagers fled across the park into Pilrig Street, and on towards Leith Walk.

The victim made his way home before his family called the police. They offered to call an ambulance but the boy, who lives in the area, declined medical attention.

However, the unprovoked assault left the youngster shocked and upset. Police described it as "an extremely distressing attack on a young member of our community".