Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 5 CITY VIEWS January 31, 2025 Harpreet Singh Toor Denounces Hoax About ICE Raids On Gurudwaras 41st Dance Pe Chance Set To Break Records With Over 800 Performers R ecent claims suggesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have con- ducted raids on Gurudwaras in NewYork and New Jersey have stirred alarm among the Sikh and immigrant communities. However, these reports have been addressed and dismissed by Harpreet Singh Toor, a respected community leader based in NewYork. Harpreet Singh Toor, who recently ran for the New York State Assembly, has come forward to categorically refute these allegations, calling them baseless and a hoax designed to sow fear and division within the community. In an exclusive video statement to ITV Gold and News India Times, Toor clarified, “This false narrative is unnec- essarily scaring the community and disrupting harmony. There have been no ICE raids at any place of worship, and people must not fall prey to such misinformation.” Background of the Claims The controversy began when reports surfaced alleg- ing that ICE agents had entered Sikh places of worship in search of undocumented immigrants. These reports claimed that the Biden administration’s protections for “sensitive” areas such as places of worship had been rolled back, allowing enforcement actions in spaces once considered off-limits. Articles quoted unnamed officials and community organizations expressing concern over this supposed policy change. Claims were also made that ICE agents visited Gurudwaras in NewYork and New Jersey to check for undocumented immigrants, creating a chilling effect on the Sikh community. Organizations like the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the Sikh Coalition issued statements expressing alarm over the alleged raids, stating that such actions undermined the sanctity of religious spaces and threatened religious freedom. SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill was quoted as saying, “We are deeply alarmed by the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to eliminate protections for sensitive areas and then target places of worship like Gurudwaras.”However, News India Times reached out to SALDEF for clarification but received no response. HARPREET SINGH TOOR’S INVESTIGATION In light of these reports, Harpreet Singh Toor took the initiative to investigate the matter personally. Toor con- tacted several prominent Sikh places of worship, includ- ing the Sikh Cultural Society in Queens, Baba Makhan Shah LUBANA Gurudwara, Guru Nanak Darbar of Long Island, and Dashmesh Darbar in New Jersey. Leaders at all these Gurudwaras confirmed to him that no ICE raids or enforcement actions had taken place at their premises. “This is a hoax being used as a political tool to instill fear and divide communities,” Toor said in his video statement. He emphasized that spreading such misin- formation only serves to disrupt the peace and harmony within the Sikh and broader immigrant communities. Toor urged people to remain calm and verify any infor- mation before sharing it further. He called for responsible communication and cautioned against believing unveri- fied reports that could lead to unnecessary panic and mistrust. COMMUNITY CONCERNS ADDRESSED The initial reports of ICE raids sparked widespread concern, as Gurudwaras are not merely places of worship but also community centers where Sikhs gather to pray, share meals, and practice their faith. The alleged actions were seen as an erosion of religious freedom and a threat to the sanctity of these spaces. The Sikh Coalition expressed fears that the supposed raids would discourage attendance at Gurudwaras and hinder the community’s ability to engage in essential reli- gious practices. “The idea that our Gurudwaras could be subject to government surveillance and raids by armed law enforcement with or without warrants is unaccept- able to the Sikh faith tradition,” the organization said. Harpreet Singh Toor, however, reassured the commu- nity that these fears were unfounded. By reaching out to Gurudwaras directly, he confirmed that no such actions had occurred. His efforts have helped to restore calm and trust within the community. NEED FOR UNITY AND VIGILANCE As a prominent leader in the South Asian community, Toor’s proactive response to this situation underscores the importance of unity and vigilance against misinfor- mation. He highlighted the need for credible reporting and responsible dissemination of news, particularly on issues that could potentially harm community relations and disrupt the sanctity of religious spaces. “This false narrative is unnecessarily scaring the com- munity and disrupting harmony,” Toor said. He encour- aged people to rely on verified sources of information and to approach such reports with a critical mindset. CONCLUSION In these times of heightened concerns about immigra- tion enforcement and community safety, Harpreet Singh Toor’s leadership has provided much-needed clarity and reassurance. His efforts to investigate and dispel rumors about ICE raids on Gurudwaras highlight the importance of maintaining peace, trust, and unity within the Sikh community and beyond. The Sikh community, along with leaders like Toor, remains committed to upholding the sanctity of their places of worship and ensuring that misinformation does not undermine the spirit of religious freedom. Venue Reaches Capacity Ahead of February 1st Event T he 41st edition of Dance Pe Chance, a flagship cultural event organized by the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) NY-NJ-CT-NE, is set to take the stage on February 1, 2025. This year’s competition will feature more than 800 performers, mark- ing a record-breaking milestone in its four- decade history. Dance Pe Chance, held annually to com- memorate Indian Re- public Day, has firmly established itself as a premier cultural event in the tri-state area. This year, the venue— capable of seating over 1,100 spectators—sold out weeks in advance, underscoring the grow- ing popularity of the showcase. Participants, aged 6 to 16 and including adult groups, represent a wide spectrum of dance schools from NewYork, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New England. They are in the final stages of rehears- als, preparing intricate routines that blend tradi- tional Indian dance forms with modern Bollywood influences. The performances will be enhanced by professional staging, including dynamic lighting and detailed backdrops, creating a vibrant visual experience. Since its inception, Dance Pe Chance has provided a platform for over 20,600 young performers, continuing its mission to celebrate and promote Indian cultural heritage through the art of dance. The event has grown steadily over the years, becoming a key date on the region’s cultural calendar. As the big day approaches, excitement is building for what is expected to be the most ambitious and memo- rable edition yet. Spectators will be treated to a dazzling display of talent, creativity, and cultural expression, mak- ing Dance Pe Chance a fitting celebration of India’s rich artistic traditions. PHOTO:courtesyHarpreetSinghToor PHOTO:courtesyFIA Screenshot from video provided by Harpreet Singh Toor. Participants from last year. By Ilayas Quraishi By a StaffWriter

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