ARSON Attack on Williams Lake Gurdwara

March 27th, 2006 by admin

Saadh Sangat Jeeo,

It is with a heavy heart that the sangat of Williams Lake, B.C. has asked this message be relayed to the sangat worldwide. On March 26th, 2006 at approximately 3:15 p.m., Gurudwara Western Singh Sabha, Williams Lake was set on fire. The cause of the fire is suspected to be arson and it is suspected that gasoline was poured throughout the gurudwara. It is believed that one suspect has been captured. However, the investigation is just starting so accurate details will be released as information becomes available.

The sangat has not yet been allowed to enter the premises to assess the damage. However, one sevaadar was allowed in to help retrieve the Guru Maharaj saroops. The damage is extensive. The sevadaars have figured out that all of the Guru Maharaj saroops are accounted for. Fortunately, there were none in the balcony area of the Gurudwara at the time of the fire. However, the saroop that was parkash at the time has been extensively damaged and proper sanskar will need to be done at a later date (undetermined as of yet). The original thought that there were saroops in the balcony stemmed from the fact that sometimes saroops were kept upstairs for an upcoming akhand paath if more than one program was scheduled, and last night the sangat was unsure of if there were any upstairs at the time of the fire. More details will be forthcoming in the next few days, but initial reports suggest that the gurdwara will for the most part have to be re-built.

Please do ardaas for the sangat of this small community that is in shock at the moment, for the quick capture of those who committed this heinous deed, and for the tragedy that took place in the burning of the Guru Maharaj saroops.

Just a quick background.. Williams Lake, B.C is located in the interior of British Columbia (about a 6 hour drive from Vancouver). The community is small but has a very strong Sikh base. The gurudwara there was built with great love and dedication by the Williams Lake sangat and officially opened in 1989 and since then has been the centre of the community.

Vaaheguru Jee Kaa Khalsaa, Vaaheguru Jee Kee Fatehh!

From: Gurminder Kaur

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