LONDON, UK—The police have been asked to attend a meeting at a Sikh temple amid concern that a row between two factions of worshippers could end in violence.
Leaders of the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Croydon, in St James’s Road, have warned members they face being barred entry to tonight’s [Annual General Meeting] if they cause a disturbance, send “malicious communications” or incite “disharmony”.
A notice posted in the gurdwara, formerly called the Nanak Community Centre, said anyone refusing to leave will be reported to the police.
In response some worshippers may stage a sit-in protest.
The AGM, the first for eight years, has been called after a series of incidents at the temple prompted by discord between the committee, chaired by Coulsdon West councillor Jeet Bains, and a number of followers.
Guneet Singh, a spokesperson, said the group accuses the committee of an “aggressive” takeover and of “ousting” anyone who opposes them.
Tensions between the two groups led police to be called to the temple after a scuffle at an evening prayer session on August 31.
A Muslim woman, the wife of a member of the church, reported Cllr Bains’ to the police, but he denies any involvement or wrong-doing.
The Met said it had received an allegation of harassment and had spoken to those involved but that no arrests had been made and no further action was required.
In light of the incident, the committee called an AGM.
Both sides have contacted the police ahead of the meeting asking for officers to be present.
A notice posted at the temple ahead of the AGM meeting states: “Following advice from the police, the executive committee of Siri Guru Sing Sabha Croydon has approved the following with immediate effect.
“Any person(s) causing disturbance in the gurdwara, or sending malicious communications regarding the gurdwara, or causing any form of disharmony in the gurdwara, or reasonably suspected of doing any of these, will, at the sole discretion of the President, be summarily barred from entering the gurdwara premises.
“Should such a circumstance arise, any barred person that refuses to leave…will immediately be reported to the police; the police may then take any action they deem necessary to remove the barred person from the premises.”
The notice is signed by the temple’s president, Ajit Singh Sangha, and appears to be endorsed by Cllr Bains, as it lists his name among the committee members.
A Met spokesman told the Advertiser the area would be subject to increased patrols but officers would not attend the meeting itself.
The AGM agenda includes plans for the centre, a registered charity, to purchase a three-bedroom house in nearby Tavistock Road.
The property is listed at £425,000 by estate agent Barnard Marcus. When contacted by the Advertiser, the company said the property was under offer.
Mrs Singh said: “A ‘sold’ board has gone up, indicating that a decision has already been taken without the approval of the general body.
“Many will ask whether this is a wise use of the charity’s funds. There will be some uncomfortable questions to answer, assuming that violence doesn’t break out beforehand.
“If things do get difficult, the place might be taken over and a sit-in will commence.”
Marriages are also on the agenda. It is understood that the temple has stopped conducting inter-faith marriages, forcing couples to go to Hounslow.
“The congregation is angered that such behaviour contradicts the charity’s aim to promote inter-faith relationships within Croydon and simply alienates the younger generation further,” said Mrs Singh.
Cllr Bains acknowledged there had been an incident on August 31.
“Some known troublemakers, unfortunately, caused a disturbance and at least one became violent,” he said.
“I believe there is a suggestion by some people that I was involved in this incident – this is false.”
On the temple’s wider troubles, he added: “The gurdwara welcomes people of all persuasions. Its elected committee has consistently kept its doors open to everyone.
“The gurdwara continues to keep its doors open and continues to ensure the safety of the congregation.
“The police have been supportive to the gurdwara and, following their advice, a notice has been displayed informing people that the gurdwara may choose to exclude any persons from the premises if they cause disturbance.”
Jeet Bains is an outstanding individual and of high moral character. Being the first Sikh Councillor in Croydon he is a shining example of British Sikhs bettering the community around themselves. Jeet has also run the weekly Sikhi class for the last 5 years and has brought countless Sikhs (young and old) onto the path of Sikhi. The grades his students achieved in the GCSE Sikhism course speak for themselves.
There are countless malicious rumours being spread by people with questionable anti-panthic agendas. For example in the piece above the writer states:
” Marriages are also on the agenda. It is understood that the temple has stopped conducting inter-faith marriages, forcing couples to go to Hounslow.
“The congregation is angered that such behaviour contradicts the charity’s aim to promote inter-faith relationships within Croydon and simply alienates the younger generation further,” said Mrs Singh. ”
The Gurudwara is following the Sikh Rehat Maryada as prescribed by the Khalsa Panth and ratified by the Akal Takht. Any one going against this is going against the Sikh Panth as a whole which raises deep concerns.