Wisconsin Killing

Family awaits US nod to fly body to India

Jalandhar, August 18
Family members of 56-year-old Dalbir Singh who was gunned down at his departmental store at Milwaukee three days ago have been awaiting clearance from the US government for bringing his body to his native Talwandi village in Kapurthala.

They said they were in touch with their relatives in the US for updates on the matter. Victim's mother Harbans Kaur and sisters Surinder Kaur and Paramjit Kaur have sought that Dalbir’s body be brought to India for his last rites.

Dalbir's brother-in-law Capt Balkar Singh said: "My nephew Dilbagh Singh (victim's son) has told us that the authorities may give permission to send the body to India on Monday".

The kin also seemed relieved a bit after TV channels started flashing news that Dalbir's suspected killer, a 16-year-old boy, had been arrested. Deangelo Williams, the alleged shooter, is also said to have been identified by Jatinder Singh, deceased's nephew, who was with him at the time of the incident.

The incident has led to resentment among the Sikhs across the globe. Dalbir was a member of the management committee of the Wisconsin gurdwara where a gunman opened fire on August 5. Dalbir had returned home minutes before the shootout took place in which six persons were killed.

Makkar writes to PM

Amritsar: The killing of Oak Creek gurdwara member Dalbir Singh within a couple of weeks of a shootout at the shrine has shocked the Sikh community in India and abroad.

SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar has condemned the incident and appealed to the US government to curb such instances. He has also shot off a missive to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging him to immediately take up the matter with the US administration.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh said the US administration should ensure the safety of the Sikh community. Dal Khalsa leader Kanwarpal Singh said the latest killing had led to panic among the Sikhs.