Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Condemns Edmonton Gurdwara Attacks;

Directs Canadian Gurdwaras to Strengthen Security 

Sri Amritsar, August 22: Kanwar Partap Singh  / Tajeemnoor Kaur - Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj has strongly condemned the incident in which a man entered Nanaksar Gurdwara Sahib in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and injured Sikh sewadars (attendants).
Expressing concern over the incident, he said that according to information received from the gurdwara management, the accused had also moved towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh scripture). However, members of the community and sewadars present at the spot stopped him, preventing any damage to the Guru Sahib. He described this as a matter of relief and prayed for the recovery and well-being of the two Sikh sewadars injured in the incident.

Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said that although the accused had been arrested by Edmonton Police, Sikh organisations in Canada must ensure a thorough investigation to determine whether any anti-Sikh group or organisation had incited or influenced the individual to target the gurdwara.

He noted that Gurdwaras in Calgary had also received threats recently, describing the development as highly condemnable. He urged Calgary Police to conduct a serious investigation and bring the truth to light.

The Jathedar said that while, in accordance with Gurmat (Guru’s wisdom) principles, the doors of gurdwaras remain open to everyone and prayers for Sarbat Da Bhala (welfare of all) are offered here daily, ensuring adequate security and vigilance is a primary responsibility of gurdwara managements. He directed all gurdwara management committees in Canada to review their security arrangements to strengthen it in view of the prevailing circumstances and ensure round-the-clock security at their respective gurdwaras.

Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj said a recently released report by the World Sikh Organization, documented an increase in hatred and discrimination against Sikhs in Canada, both at the grassroots level and on online social media platforms. He described the trend as a matter of serious concern. In view of the situation, the Jathedar said, all Sikh organisations and gurdwara management committees in Canada should set aside unnecessary disputes and differences, unite and address the challenges in the light of Sikh principles. He also called upon Sikhs worldwide to understand seriously the conspiracies against the Sikh community, while following a policy of self-preservation, work collectively to promote and propagate the distinct Sikh identity, history, traditions, principles and teachings of Gurmat.