British Columbia Sikhs Fear Renewed Violence in Temple Elections

July 24, 2006

Source: The Vancouver Sun

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/westcoastnews/story.html?id=edd56891-0e34-41e2-a4d8-30fa0a81e179

On July 24, 2006 The Vancouver Sun reported, "Sikh moderate leaders say they are concerned about a possible return to the violence of the late 1990s after one of their supporters was attacked at a New Westminster temple Friday night. Khushpal Singh Gill was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital by ambulance after being hit during a scuffle as voter registration for a coming temple election closed. Gill told The Vancouver Sun he was grabbed by the neck and struck in the head by an opponent from Abbotsford, and his scalp was split open by the man's steel bracelet. He pointed to the red marks on his throat as well as the wound on his head, which required several stitches. New Westminster police continue to investigate the incident. But Sgt. Paul Milne said Sunday the official police report has Gill being struck in the head by a chair during a scuffle. No charges have yet been laid, Milne said. 'We've been in contact with both sides in the temple election in the last few weeks,' Milne said. Gill said voting registration had just closed when a large group of youths showed up to register about 8 p.m. When they were told it was too late to join the line, things got tense, he said."