Prayer disruption turns violent at Edmonton gurdwara; two injured
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Edmonton: Two people suffered stab injuries after an early-morning disturbance at a Sikh gurdwara in Edmonton, Canada, where prayers were being conducted ahead of a wedding.
The incident was reported shortly after 5 a.m. at the Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple in northeast Edmonton. Police said a suspect was taken into custody at the site near 14 Street and Horsehill Road.
Paramedics attended to two adult men injured in the clash. Their condition was not considered life-threatening, according to the Edmonton Police Service.
Authorities have not yet said what prompted the attack. It is also unclear whether investigators are examining any possible hate-crime angle.
Harmeek Sehgal, a representative of the gurdwara, said an unfamiliar man entered the premises during the morning religious service and interrupted the prayers. The service was being held before a wedding planned at the temple later in the day.
Members of the congregation first attempted to calm the man and speak to him, but he allegedly refused to cooperate. A struggle broke out when some people tried to restrain him, Sehgal said.
During the confrontation, two men were stabbed. Both were conscious and able to speak after receiving assistance, he added.
The planned wedding was eventually held at around 10.30 a.m., despite the incident. Sehgal said the gurdwara itself was not damaged and the Sikh holy scriptures were unharmed.
The Sikh community is awaiting clarity from police on the sequence of events and the reason behind the violence, he said.
World Sikh Organisation of Canada spokesperson Harman Kandola said the incident had cast a shadow over an occasion that was meant to be a celebration.
Meanwhile, the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund condemned the violence, stressing that gurdwaras must remain safe spaces for worship, community service and gathering. The organisation urged Sikh institutions to review safety plans, keep emergency exits clear and maintain contact with local law-enforcement agencies.
(Inputs from IANS)