Multiple individuals sustained injuries during an incident described by Calgary police as a disturbance at the Dashmesh Culture Centre on Sunday night.
Around 9 p.m., officers responded to the Sikh temple in northeast Calgary after violence erupted during a protest. Up to four people reportedly suffered minor injuries during an assault that took place amid the demonstration.
Gurpartap Baidwan, an organizer of the protest, revealed that some temple congregants had gathered in opposition to the elected leadership committee’s actions.
“(We were meeting) to oppose their various bylaw violations and a series of wrongdoings and grievances,” he informed Updated News.
Baidwan accused the leadership of not adhering to the rules of their faith or following the governance of the Sikh religion.
“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 explained.
“The issue that we’re having is that this committee that has come in is acting outside those parameters. They are not just violating the Sikh Rehat Maryada, which is the Sikh code of conduct, but they are also violating the institution’s own bylaws as prescribed under Alberta law in the form of being a non-profit organization.”
Protesters additionally alleged a lack of communication, an unwillingness to resolve conflicts within the community, and general negligence on the part of the leadership.
Baidwan stated that the protests commenced on Dec. 24, lasting for 15 days and nights despite cold weather conditions.
Calgary police have not disclosed details regarding the cause of the assault or whether any charges have been filed.