Resham Singh Sandhu, Chair of the Sikh Culture and Welfare Society and Suleman Nagdi, Public Relations Officer of the Federation of Muslim Organisations said, "We are deeply distressed by the publicity accorded to the individual who claims to be Sikh and is rumoured to be about to join the BNP. Sikhism is a faith, which prides itself on equality and justice. Everything the BNP stands for does the opposite.

Resham Singh Sandhu added, “I and others in the Sikh Community are very upset and very sorry for the way this issue has developed and how it has been publicised. We have to put on record that the view held by this individual is only a reflection of an absolute minority and does not reflect the view of the wider Sikh community. I have already had dialogue with senior Sikh leaders, both local and national, regarding this issue and how to best deal with the situation”

Suleman Nagdi said, “This is a time when all faiths must stand united and protect our communities from being influenced by the negative and divisive opinions of extremist political parties. We have very good links between the Sikh and Muslim communities, which must be strengthened. I am very grateful to Resham and the Sikh community for their stand and their most valued support. I urge every citizen to stand against the views of extremism and extremist political parties and to cherish the freedom we all enjoy as a nation. 

End.

17/02/2010

Notes to editors:-

See like below:-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/feb/11/bnp-nonwhites-members-sikh-join