LONDON, UK—Earlier today, a person entered the Woolwich Arsenal Gurdwara and tried to set ablaze the saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. He was overpowered by a member of the sangat, however, during the scuffle, an ang of Guru Granth Sahib was torn. The incident took place around the afternoon.
Local police and the Sikh Council UK have been involved. Sikh Council UK is expected to release a statement tomorrow on the beadbi incident.
Local sangat have explained the man as mentally challenged and belonging to the Punjabi community. “He entered the Gurdwara while wearing shoes. After entering the Darbar Sahib, he rushed to the platform where Guru Granth Sahib was parkash. He took off the rumala and attempted the put the saroop on fire,” said a local sangat member.
“Few of us were present inside during the incident. One Singh grabbed him from the back and was able to stop the beadbi.”
Person was handed over the police shortly after the incident.
Sangat is requested to arrive at the Gurdwara Sahib at 11 AM to discuss the matter with the Gurdwara committee.
@Harjinder. Agreed we need to attempt to teach and support the individual, if he is indeed ‘mentally challenged’. Even if he is not, we need to understand why he did this and choose to teach and dissolve any misconceptions he may have, that would have cause him to do this. I hope his name is not made public until we understand the whole situation. As vilifying him will do no good for anyone.
Whilst the incident is very disturbing, if in true fact the person involved is mentally challenged our faith dictates we help the person, not punish. I pray Satguru ji shows us the way and keeps our minds graceful and peaceful, we will not react as do the extremists of other faiths demanding satisfaction via violent means. We are the Sikhs of Satguru Nanak Dev Ji, we are strong, fearless and COMPASSIONATE.
We are a caring community and this person needs help and not punishment. No one knows what ever made this person do this, but he needs guiding and counciling to understand his mental thoughts. We can all look around and be a Good Samaritan to assist each other during these challenging times.