Bangalore: Indian Sikhs, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed their shock and anger at the U.S. Gurudwara shooting, which lead to the death of several Sikh worshippers.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the shooting incident that has resulted in the loss of precious lives," said Manmohan Singh in a statement, reports AFP.

Singh also added “that this senseless act of violence should be targeted at a place of religious worship is particularly painful,"

A gunman killed six people and left three others seriously wounded in an attack on worshippers at a Sikh gurudwara (temple) in a Wisconsin suburb on Sunday before being shot by a police officer, reports IANS.

"I hope the American authorities would investigate who is behind this dastardly attack on innocent devotees and that they will ensure that such ghastly events do not take place," Singh told reporters.

In the United States Sikhs are often confused with Muslims because of their turbans and long beards and according to the Sikh politicians in India, the attack on Gurudwara might be by the  anti-Islam activists; misunderstanding  these Sikhs to be Muslims.

"I think it is a case of mistaken identity. Sikhs are often mistaken to be from the Middle East," Manpreet Singh Badal, founder-president of the People's Party of Punjab, told AFP.

"This is an opportunity, although a very sad one, to raise awareness among Americans about the Sikh culture and identity," he said.

The Sikh community in Kashmir protested against this mishap by blocking national highway and waving banners demanding stronger U.S. rules. Delhi also witnessed state-wide protests, with demonstrations outside the U.S. Embassy.

"Sikhs contribute a lot to America, they are an important part of America," said Manjit Singh, president of a Delhi-based Sikh party.