Rioting at a Sikh temple in Alberta
Unidentified men attacked protesters in Calgary.
On Jan. 7 at about 9 p.m., police were called to a Sikh temple in northeast Calgary, Alberta. The congregation there had gathered to protest over the election of a steering committee. However, the demonstrators were attacked and riots broke out, resulting in 4 injuries.
Gurpartap Baidwan, one of the organizers of the rally, explained to reporters that the temple members were angered by the administration's actions. According to him, it does not follow the rules of their common faith:
"They are required to abide by the Sikh Rehat Maryada that is issued by the Akal Takht, which is kind of like our Vatican," he said.
Protesters walked out because the newly appointed committee violates both the Sikh Special Code and the church's charter as a non-profit organization — and that's against Alberta provincial rules.
The protests have been going on since December 24, taking place both day and night outside the Dashmesh Cultural Center. However, on January 7, the protesters were attacked for the first time. As a result, 4 people sustained minor injuries and law enforcement agencies have already been involved in the investigation of the incident.
Calgary police have not released any details about what prompted the attack or whether anyone has been charged.
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