Members of Indian Community in Australia have come forward to sign a petition that demands permanent residency for Manmeet Alisher's family as a gesture of compassion and goodwill from the Australian Government.
In a short period of time, the petition lodged at the change.org by the has attracted over 16,000 signatures.
Manjit Boparai, an Indian community spokesperson from Brisbane has told SBS radio’s Punjabi program that the petition will be delivered to Prime Minister of Australia and the Minister for Immigration & Border Protection.
Listen to the full interview (in Punjabi) of Manjit Boparai with SBS Punjabi’s below: 
“First of all, we demand justice!,” said community spokesperson Manjit Boparai.
LISTEN TO
http://audiomedia-sbs.akamaized.net/punjabi_161214_601359.mp3
11:05
Manmeet Alisher Petition Source: Supplied
“By lodging this petition, we are trying to help family through various channels."
“We as a community are shocked in learning of the fate of Manmeet Alisher, who was horrifically killed on 28th Oct 2016 in Brisbane.
“We as a community across the multicultural spectrum along with local politicians have come together in peaceful vigils across Australia to show our respect and offer our condolences.
"He came here at an age of 21. Being a noble Australian citizen he had a wonderful and productive life in Australia and was a shining example of how migration enriches this country.
“For Manmeet’s family this tragedy is a nightmare; the loss of a cherished loved one who can never be replaced.
“Manmeet’s demise now has many ramifications on the family’s own lives which they are left to deal with. Some of this is in very practical terms, such as the trial and the implications of Manmeet’s financial affairs here in Australia.
“To attend the trial, they will need to spend extended periods of time in Australia as visitors.
“This means they will be without the means of being able to support themselves (as visitors are not allowed to work) as well as fund the additional costs of living while here.
“They need to stay here to attend the trial and to deal with Manmeet’s financial affairs and compensation matters that can take several years," said Mr Boparai
“These things are not straightforward for a local. From a distance for people with a language barrier with no authority to turn to, who knows if they will even be able to claim let alone receive all of what they are due. These type of claims and administration can take several years.
“For these reasons it makes practical sense that the immediate family be granted permanent residency here in Australia, so they are not placed under further injustice by cost, separations.
“Here they can be in full receipt of all information of their son's attackers trial, which they should not have to learn by second hand or by media reports. That is the very least they deserve.
“A formal submission has gone to the Australian Government to grant the family permanent residency here in Australia in a gesture of goodwill and compassion.
“The Indian (Sub-Cont) Crisis & Support Agency (ICSA) is authorised by the family to make a formal submission on behalf of them to the Australian Government to secure their residency in Australia on a permanent basis.
“Further requests have been made to the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council to secure appropriate assistance for the family including accommodation and assistance in finding employment.
“The Indian Government through the High Commission has been requested to assist with transport and other consular support.
“The community is willing to put all the support behind that request and seek that the appropriate authorities extend all possible assistance to Manmeet’s family," said Manjit Boparai
“We respectfully ask the relevant agencies to make every effort to ensure that Manmeet’s family has some relief at least in the pragmatic issues and ensure justice is done to the fullest extent.
“Nothing will bring their son back, all we can do for the family is support them through this awful tragedy,” he said.
Manmeet’s brother Amit Alisher and a facebook Page , which has a following of over 22000 people have urged the local community to join hands for the cause.
29-year-old Manmeet was popular within the Punjabi community in Australia as a singer and showbiz promoter.
Manmeet’s death prompted strong concerns within Indian-Australian community with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull assuring his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi over the investigation process.
Queensland's Health Minister had earlier ordered an independent review of the mental health care offered to the accused killer.
A trial is underway with 48-year-old Anthony Mark Edward O'Donohue being charged with Manmeet’s murder, arson and several counts of attempted murder.
