India requests US for quick and prompt probe on Wisconsin gurdwara shoot-out

New Delhi, Aug.7 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna has requested his U.S. counterpart Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for full and prompt investigation into the killings at a Sikh gurdwara in Wisconsin.

In its response, the United States has assured India that it will provide all assistance to ensure the welfare and security of the Indian community living in the United States.

According to official sources, the assurance came from Clinton during her telephonic conversation with Krishna on Monday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun a probe into the Oak Creek Sikh gurdwara killings. Oak Creek Police have identified Michael Page, 40, a.S. Army veteran and a White Supremacist, as the prime suspect in the shooting incident.

Krishna said that he spoken with Secretary Clinton late on Monday night, and said that he had expressed India's sincere appreciation for the quick and braveesponse of the local authorities in Wisconsin in averting what could have been a worse tragedy.

Krishna also requested Secretary Clinton for strengthening security around places of worship and hoped for a strong message of reassurance to the Indian community.

There are an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 families of the Sikh religion in the Milwaukee area and two temples. The Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, where the attack took place on Sunday morning, was founded in October 1997 with a community of 20 to 25 families.

Secretary Clinton was receptive to Krishna's message and assured assistance, official sources told ANI.

Many Sikh groups are seething with anger over the Wisconsin shootout.

The apex Sikh body, the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandhak Committee (SGPC), has condemned the attack.

Protest rallies were organized by enraged Sikh groups near the U.S.Embassy in New Delhi on Monday.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal also expressed their shock over the killings in the United States. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)