Duniya Journal A new version of documentary depicting the racist murder of a caretaker at the Gurudwara in Surrey BC Hate Can Kill has been released to mark the 25 anniversary and will be featured at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal online from May 1-10.
Shaheed Nirmal Singh Gill, the 65-year-old caretaker of the Guru Nanak Sikh temple on Scott Road, was beaten to death in its parking lot during his late-night watch on Jan. 4, 1998. Five young men who had ties to a neo-Nazi group called the Hammerskins were arrested for second-degree murder but pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Two were sentenced to 18 years in prison and the other three were each sentenced to 15 years in prison. The term Shaheed applies to a martyr in the South Asian tradition.
The film depicts the public outcry following murder. In July 1998, a march against racism in response to Gill’s death drew over 5000 people. Other such racist murders have taken place since, including at palaces of worship such as the murder of six people praying at a Mosque in Quebec City.
To watch the film online at the South Asian Film of Montreal, follow this link
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