"You can f**k off back to India!"
A Sikh restaurateur has said that he was attacked with racial slurs in Australia.
The business owner, Jarmail ‘Jimmy’ Singh alleged that he has faced racism consistently over the last few months.
Jimmy owns Dawat – The Invitation, an eatery in Hobart, Tasmania.
He moved to Australia in 2008.
The first racist attack occurred when dog faecal matter was smeared over his car. This happened for at least four days in a row.
Jimmy also said he received threatening letters which said: “Go home, Indian.”
Reportedly, the businessman initially assumed that the letters were written by a younger person and as a result, he tried to ignore the attack.
However, Jimmy said that the incidents were having a catastrophic mental impact on him. He revealed:
“Never, ever has this happened to me before, and it’s been continuous [over] the last two, three months.
“It’s mentally very stressful when it comes to your house, and particularly [being targeted] with your name on it.
“It’s too much mental stress. Something has to be done.”
The Sikh restaurateur had cameras installed on his premises for protection.
Furthermore, the incidents were brought to the attention of the police.
Despite this, however, the racist letters continued to arrive.
The letters allegedly contained phrases such as: “You can f**k off back to India!”
Jimmy’s car was also scratched in his driveway.
The restaurateur added: “This kind of thing has to be stopped. Definitely, we do need a change.”
Tasmania Police Commander Jason Elmer has been at the centre of investigations.
Elmer declared there is “no excuse for any form of verbal or physical harassment” in the community.
Aimen Jafri, the chair of the Multicultural Council of Tasmania, regretted that racially motivated incidents and attacks were on the rise in Australia.
She said:
“It’s definitely getting worse at the moment.”
Jimmy took to Facebook to thank his supporters in the wake of the horrifying incidents. He wrote:
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support I have received in many ways, phone calls, messages, and personal visits to our restaurant just to check on me.”
David O’Byrne, Member of the Tasmanian House of Assembly, paid a visit of support to Jimmy’s restaurant.
He also took to Facebook to extend his support.
Mr O’Byrne wrote: “You may have seen in the paper today a story about Jarnail ‘Jimmy’ Singh and the disgraceful racism that he and his wife have been subjected to.
“So tonight I dropped into Dawat – The Invitation and grabbed some dinner for the family and pass on my support and solidarity.
“There is no room for racism and ignorance in our community.
“And the food was magnificent, drop in and try for yourself and help send the message of love and support.”
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