Winnipeg: A racist and threatening message written on an official road-closure sign ahead of a Nagar Kirtan in Winnipeg has raised concerns among members of the Sikh community.
An unidentified person allegedly wrote on the sign that Sikhs should “go back to India” and included language containing a threat of violence. The incident came to light ahead of the September 6 Nagar Kirtan, being organised by the Sikh Society of Manitoba.
The Nagar Kirtan is being held to mark the first Parkash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The procession will begin at Memorial Park and proceed towards the Gurdwara Sahib, with devotees participating in Shabad Kirtan, Simran and Seva.
The event attracts people of all age groups, including children and senior citizens, every year. The appearance of hateful and threatening writing on a sign connected to the procession’s route has therefore sparked concerns over the safety of participants.
Community members have called for the incident to be investigated and for the person responsible to be identified. They said that references asking the Sikh community to “go back to India” go beyond targeting an individual and raise wider concerns about discrimination against a community that has established deep roots in Manitoba.
The Sikh community has been an active part of Winnipeg and Manitoba for years, contributing to business, community service, culture and wider social life.
With a major religious gathering approaching, community members are urging authorities to take the reported threat seriously and ensure appropriate security measures. The incident has also renewed calls for people to stand against hate and intimidation and promote a message of unity, service and coexistence.
