Thaindian News

Washington, Aug 7 (IANS) Four of the six Sikh worshippers killed in Sunday’s attack on a Sikh gurdwara in Winsconsin were Indian citizens, with one of them being a recent visitor from India, according to the Indian Embassy.

The Embassy said it is closely monitoring developments relating to the firing in a Gurudwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and providing appropriate consular assistance.

Two diplomats, Datta Padsalgikar Minister for Community Affairs in the Embassy along with Consul NJ Gangte from the Indian Consulate in Chicago, had visited the site of the incident Monday and interacted with local officials, FBI and community representatives.

External Affairs Minister S.M, Krishna spoke with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and conveyed the deep distress felt by the government and people of India on the tragic killings of innocent worshippers at the gurdwara.

Clinton conveyed her sense of shock, sadness and personal condolence at the tragedy, the Embassy said.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal also called Indian Ambassador Nirpama Rao Monday and was assured that the Embassy would offer all possible support to victims of the Oak Creek killings.

US Deputy National Security Adviser John Brennan also spoke with Rao Sunday evening to convey “sincerest condolences” from President Barack Obama.

US Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman also telephoned the Ambassador “to express heartfelt condolences on the dastardly and horrible Oak Creek killings.”

The Embassy said it continues to be in close contact with the US authorities “as we assist the victims and their families to deal with these unspeakably tragic circumstances.”

(Arun Kumar can be contacted at arun.kumar@ians.in)