Menasha Sikh Temple Priest concerned about Safety
By: Millaine Wells
Updated: August 6, 2012
MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) - Throughout Monday, people dropped off flowers at the Menasha Sikh Temple to show respect.
There are no events scheduled Monday night, however as always the door remains open if people need a place to gather and pray.
"I never, never think this thing happen with us. I'm very shocked" says Head Priest Singh Balli.
He finished up his ceremony early Sunday in Menasha to be with friends mourning in Milwaukee.
"We are all Sikh. Same congregation, different location" says Balli who has many friends in Oak Creek.
"One priest that died he lived there 15 years and one priest just came from India three days ago. He got killed" explains Balli.
The faithful man is searching for answers.
"I don't have any words right now to say. We look a little bit different and that is why this thing happened".
The Head Priest is worried about safety at his temple.
"We don't have any security here. Sikh community, Sikh church, temple is welcome everybody" says Balli.
Menasha Police are stepping up to help.
According to the department's Community Liaison Officer Aaron Zemlock "We've had officers patrolling the overnight shift to watch for any suspicious activity at the temple".
Menasha Police are also working with a local diversity center.
"Is there anything we can do as a community outreach that would clear up mis understandings about the religion or what happened" says Zemlock. "Very peaceful group of people and we have had zero issues out at the temple. We want to do whatever we can to make sure they are safe".
The Department is working with the FBI to see if there are any credible threats to Temples outside of Oak Creek.
According to Balli "We try to heal right now".
True to his teachings, Balli asks for respect.
"Please keep away from these kind of things. Do good work, help each other and live nice".
There is a meeting planned at the Menasha Sikh Temple Tuesday morning around 10:00 am.
It is a time for prayer and discussion of possible security changes at this temple.
A vigil is planned for 6:00 pm Tuesday. The community is welcome.
