Joban Singh, Switzerland’s first Sikh, was shot dead along with his step father, mother and a neighbour by his brother in law who also shot himself at Aarau village, 25 kilometers from Langenthal on May 10th.
AMRITSAR – The miniscule community of Swiss Sikhs have converged at Aarau city of Switzerland to attend the funeral ceremony of Switzerland’s first Swiss Sikh Joban Singh who was shot dead by his brother in law in a family feud on May 10th.
“Joban Singh’s cremation will take place on May 21st according to decision taken by government authorities and family members of Joban Singh ” said founder member of Gurdwara Sahib, Langenthal, Ranjit Singh Masuta while talking to TOI over phone from Aarau on Wednesday.
He said a full ceremonial recital (Sahej Patth) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib had begun at Gurdwara Sahib which would conclude on May 23rd.
Joban Singh had embraced Sikhism in 2007 and in the year 2012 he was baptized at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
He informed that cremation would take place according to Sikh rituals. “Joban Singh’s body is clothed in Nihang Bana (traditional blue dress of Nihang’s ) and a tall battle-turban is tied to his head” said Ranjit Singh adding that during postmortem care was taken by the hospital authorities to keep the sanctity of the holy kesh – his uncut hair and beard.
“It was done in accordance to the Sikh Rahet Maryada (Sikh code of conduct ) that Joban firmly followed during his lifetime”.
Joban’s guru of Gurmukhi language and Sikh rituals, Karan Singh informed that a delegation or jatha of the UK Nihang Singhs was also camping at Gurdwara Sahib, Langenthal and was reciting prayers which were favorites of Joban Singh.
Joban Singh, 31, was shot dead along with his step father, mother and a neighbourer by his brother in law who also shot himself at Aarau village , 25 kilometers from Langenthal on May 10th . Joban Singh’s brother in law was separated from Joban’s sister and the couple had three children who were not at home at the time of incident.
Gurdwaa management has decided to observe Joban Singh’s death anniversary every year on May 10th , said Ranjit Singh.
Joban’s biological father Ralf Streiet , in a message said: ‘I am so proud of my son, who was so loved and respected by many around the world especially by Sikh community”
