In Canada, Ontario gurdwaras bar Indian officials from entering premises

A dozen gurdwaras in Canada’s Ontario province have barred officials from the Indian government, consular officials and members of organisations ‘who seek to undermine the Sikh nation and Sikh institutions.’

As per a Hindustan Times report, the notice has come from a group of office bearers claiming to represent the gurdwaras. This decision was made at a meeting held at the Jot Parkash Gurdwara in Brampton, a suburb of Toronto, on December 30.

 “Pursuant to the Trespass to Property Act (1990), the management of this Gurdwara Sahib reserves the right to bar entry to officials of the Indian Government including but not limited to Indian elected officials, Indian Consular officials, and members of organisations who seek to undermine the Sikh nation and Sikh institutions”

The statement added: “Keeping in mind the interference of Indian Consular and Indian Government officials in the lives of Canadian Sikhs, Gurdwara Management Committees have jointly taken the decision to bar the entry of these officials and members from Gurdwaras across Canada.

The ban will be on those visiting gurdwaras in their official capacity, not if they come with personal purpose.  

On April 30, Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau addressed a parade for 'Khalsa Day', which included floats glorifying Sikh militant leaders Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, Amreek Singh and former General Shahbeg Singh who were killed in the siege of the Golden Temple and Operation Bluestar in June 1984.

The Indian Government has lodged a strong protest with Canada over the presence of Trudeau at the event.