QUEENS, N.Y. (Diya TV) — A Sikh cultural centre and gurdwara in Queens was vandalized with hateful graffiti on December 27, raising concerns about safety in the local community. The incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Sikh Centre, which houses a gurdwara, is located on Punjab Avenue in a neighborhood known as New York’s Little Punjab. Unknown individuals spray-painted the walls of the centre with the letters “EW” and “SMD.” It remains unclear exactly when the vandalism occurred.
“I found out about the incident when a young committee member sent me photos,” said Japneet Singh, a community organizer and frequent visitor to the gurdwara. “Seeing hateful graffiti on our walls made me worry. If they could do this outside, what would stop them from coming inside and causing harm?”
The gurdwara committee has filed a complaint with the local police precinct. The New York Police Department is actively investigating the incident. The offices of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul have also been notified.
“This is the first time anything like this has happened since we built the gurdwara in 1999,” said Daler Singh, former president of the gurdwara committee. He remains a committee member and said all members are now extra vigilant.
The centre did not have CCTV cameras on the side where the graffiti appeared. “Without cameras, it is hard to identify the individuals responsible,” Daler Singh said. The committee has requested that the NYPD check nearby residents’ security footage to help identify the vandals.
The Sikh centre plays a central role in the neighborhood, which is home to many Punjabi businesses and Sikh families. “There is no way the vandals did not know the religious importance of this place,” Japneet Singh said. “The gurdwara is inside. This was a pure act of racism and hate.”
For both Daler and Japneet, the graffiti is a reminder of the vulnerability of minority communities in the U.S. “Whenever hate crimes rise, whether Islamophobia or antisemitism, the Sikh community also feels the impact,” Japneet said. “People target us because our religion is visible and distinct.”
Despite the incident, community leaders remain hopeful. They expect the NYPD to treat the vandalism as a hate crime and the city administration to respond swiftly.
In recent months, hate crimes targeting Sikh Americans have drawn national attention. In August, the Sikh community in California raised concerns after Harpal Singh, a Sikh man in Los Angeles, was killed. Police investigated the case as a homicide, not a hate crime, sparking fears of underreporting.
The gurdwara committee and residents are now increasing safety measures. Members are more cautious when visiting the centre, and the committee is reviewing options to improve security.
“We need to ensure our community feels safe and respected,” Daler Singh said. “This incident reminds us that vigilance is necessary, but it will not stop us from practicing our faith and serving the community.”
Little Punjab remains a hub for Punjabi culture in New York City. The Sikh community hopes that swift police action and community support will deter future acts of hate. The NYPD has urged anyone with information about the graffiti to come forward. Community members are also encouraging residents to report suspicious activity and support local places of worship.