Gidha performance at the Vaisakhi Dinner 2023 in Kuching, Sarawak, on 14 May 2023 – Photo: GS Kuching
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
They may be small but the Sikh community in Sarawak has played an important role in community building, says Sarawak deputy premier Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“We recognise your role. Thanks to the Sikh community for the support to the government of the day,” he told guests, which included representatives of the various faiths, at the Vaisakhi Night 2023 in Kuching on Sunday (14 May 2023).
The event was organised by the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association (SSTA) and Unit for Other Religions (Unifor). Uggah heads Unifor.
“We have so many ethnic groups and religions, living peacefully together. We should not be complacent. We continue to build up this unity as we strive to become a high-income state by 2030,” he said.
SSTA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the function was organised with the active support of Unifor, including financially
“Unifor celebrates functions of all major faiths. It has been very supportive of the gurdwaras in Kuching, Miri and Sibu,” he told Asia Samachar.
The Sarawak government, led by premier Abang Johari Openg, has allocated RM100 million to Unifor, partly to assist to build facilities needed by each religious group, including schools.
Unifor is also undertaking a RM63.6 million project to build the Unifor Complex at Jalan Ong Ting Swee, destined to be a landmark of Sarawak’s inclusive policies. “The Premier is very supportive by approving RM80 million to implement the project,” Uggah said.
Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira presenting a momento to Sarawak deputy premier Amar Douglas Uggah Embas at the Vaiskahi Dinner 2023 in Kuching on 14 ay 2023 – Photo: GS Kuching
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Last week the world witnessed the Coronation of King Charles III. For Britain this was monumental and perhaps for the first time many got to see the religious aspect, with the King being made the ‘Defender of Faith’ as Head of the Church of England. King Charles has been a patron of diversity and faith, understanding that faiths represent different perspectives on truth, and that they can coexist whilst adding richness to society.
Although we see progressive and encompassing messaging from the new King, when it comes to the Government’s engagement with minority faiths, such as the Sikh community, it is very different.
A recent Government commissioned review of faith in modern Britain titled ‘Does Government Do God?’, which has come to be known as the ‘Bloom Review’, was published just before the Coronation. The review was presented as an ‘independent’ review into how government engages with faith.
Despite reference to various faiths, the Bloom Review dedicated 12 pages to what it termed ‘Sikh extremism’, this was not just a surprise to the Sikh community but was also described as ‘bizarre’ by both Sikh and non-Sikh commentators in the media.
The British Sikh community are an established and integrated minority faith group in the UK, making up less than 1% of the population in England and Wales. What is of huge concern to the Sikh community is the qualitative and opinion-based approach to this specific review as opposed to an expected quantitative and fact balance. This is coupled with a lack of confidence in the independence of the Conservative government’s decision making, which appears to be influenced by geopolitical foreign policy considerations. For minorities living in the UK, these are challenging times where public perception conflates even the most minor issues.
The Bloom Review boasts 21,000 respondents across all faith communities. However, no breakdown of the respondents is provided so it is difficult to ascertain the profile and representation from the Gurdwaras and Sikh Organisations. Considering Sikhs only make up less than 1% of the population in the UK, Sikh extremism makes up 8% of the review. It is worth noting that there is currently no individual in His Majesty’s Prisons on terrorism charges from the Sikh community nor are the community aware of any on-going investigations on terrorism related to the Sikh community.
The author of the review is Colin Bloom, a member of the Conservative Party and appointed by Boris Johnson in 2019 as the Faith Engagement Adviser at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Bloom was a former councillor for Bromley Council and unsuccessfully stood in the 2010 general election to represent Erith and Thamesmead. He has previously served as executive director of the Conservative Christian Fellowship and director of Christians in Politics, which is a Parliamentary Christian Trust.
One can argue that Bloom wears his politics on his sleeve putting into question whether his politics influenced the independence of this review which was three and a half years in the making. In several TV interviews, Bloom has stated that the review is his own opinion. Given that he is not an expert on human rights, the Sikhs or on Indian history nor is he an expert on terrorism or counterterrorism, it is outrageous that he can make claims and counter claims against Sikh community engagement with politicians and political institutions based on his opinion.
Over the past decade the Conservative government have been alienating the Sikh community, especially the young and forcing people to question the previously accepted British part of their identity as well as engagement with political institutions.
British Sikhs continually raise concerns about better monitoring of public resources, the rise in anti-Sikh hate crime, legislation impacting the Sikh identity, human rights violations in India and the right to self-determination in the form of a Sikh state known as Khalistan. The latter being the most politically volatile as it challenges an allied state that the UK Government seeks not to antagonise, even though it is fully aware of the well documented situation with respect to minority rights within that country. However, much of this fails to enter the UK Government’s discussions with Sikh organisations.
We have a saying in the community now that ‘if the government wish to engage with the community, come to the community’. Labour must pitch itself as being more in touch with the grassroots faith and community organisation, whereas for are too long the Conservatives have pandered to aloof elites that are unrepresentative of the vast majority.
Labour should also be thinking about ethical foreign policy rather than short term-opportunism, to think about how Indian Government is using the British government to repress British citizens, Labour needs to restate the primacy of British citizens over the desires of foreign governments to silence dissent.
If Labour wish to differentiate themselves then greater engagement is key, listening to Gurdwaras and grassroots Sikh Organisations and their concerns. Not labelling them as extremists for exercising support for Khalistan, a Sikh state, which has typically become a Tory behaviour pandering to foreign governments for financial and political gain.
Recently the Archbishop of Canterbury was criticised by some for his courageous words calling the UK migration bill ‘impractical and morally unacceptable’. Critics believe faith and politics should remain distinctly separate. In Sikh thought, there is a concept known as ‘Miri-Piri’ where the temporal and spiritual are in continuous balance, one informs the other. The practical application of this philosophy removes the sort of short-sighted thinking that leads to believing that the ends justify the means, it removes the disparity that is often found between our stated values and our actual actions.
Sikhs believe that their faith should inform their politics, which are ultimately the ideology that governs human and state interactions and relationships. In the absence of such underpinning the difficulty for Sikhs as a stateless people is to navigate the contradictions of geopolitics that render them expendable to governments, leaving them unsupported and vulnerable to the sort of misrepresentations only too visible in this particular review.
Mankamal Singh is an experienced finance manager and has worked within organisations such as Capita, Man Group, Steinhoff, PwC and Mouchel. He is currently serving as the Sikh representative on the SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education) Redbridge Committee and a Trustee of the Faith Forum. The Sikh Network is an open collective of Sikh Activists & Professionals who are responsible to monitoring progress and strategic direction of the Sikh Manifesto, a document to enable Sikhs around the UK to have a reference point when engaging politicians.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Enchanting: The river running along side the Khalsa Land – Photo: Supplied
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Khalsa Land is shaping up nicely as a major retreat centre for Sikhs in Malaysia and beyond.
The beautiful campsite under construction at the foothills of a lush forest reserve located in a small town about an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, will soon make available to guests new accommodations.
Soon, guests will be able to book accommodations for their stay in the 20-acres campsite in Kuala Kubu Bahru (KKB), Selangor.
“Work is almost complete for the accommodation,” Khalsa Land project director Harnarinder Singh @ Harry told Asia Samachar.
“Now, we need to urgently raise funds to complete the work. Our team will also be present at the Malacca programme this weekend (May 18-21, 2023). Come to our booth and we will brief you on the Khalsa Land project,” he said.
The retired Malaysian civil servant is a volunteer, working for free, at the project.
The Malacca gurdwara will be hosting the annual programme in the memory of Sant Baba Sohan Singh from May 18-21.
In 2001, Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia (SNSM) had with the Sanggat’s generous contributions acquired 20 acres of freehold land at a cost of RM1.60 million. Khalsa Land is located in Ampang Pecah in KKB.
In May 2022, they kick-started the Phase 1 of its developments with the construction of two units of accommodation building (single storey semi-D units) at a contract sum of RM683,000. The construction work is now almost completed. One unit to be used as the manager’s residence, while the other unit is the guesthouse.
After completing the initial earthworks in 2010, and to bring the land to use, various facilities have been built which include a Darbar Sahib, classrooms, cabins for accommodation, and washroom and kitchen facilities. Recreation facilities are also available including a football field and playground for children. More than 300 fruit trees have also been planted, many of which are already bearing fruit.
Towards the end of 2019, the TNB substation was completed to provide adequate electricity supply to all the existing as well as future facilities at Khalsa Land. In addition, a proper access road, drainage and sewerage system, and water supply have been completed.
In 2022, after obtaining the necessary approvals from the various departments and authorities for the architectural plans and other submissions, SNSM launched Phase 1 of the Khalsa Land Development Project to put up permanent infrastructures. Phase 1 includes the construction of a multi-purpose hall, accommodation units and other supporting facilities estimated to cost a total of RM6.2 million.
The SNSM appeals to the Sanggat to contribute generously towards this project so that all the outstanding payments to the contractor and other suppliers can be fully made soonest. Your support and kind financial contribution will certainly ensure the success of the Khalsa Land Development Project for the benefit of present and future generations. A national level project in the interest of Sikh Youth.
To donate, you can bank transfer to: SNSM Khalsa Land account @Maybank 5140 1242 8084; Swift Code MBBEMYKL
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
The family expresses sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to Staff andManagement of Raub Hospital for the care given, Gurdwara Sahib Raub committee for the sewa and hospitality, all relatives and friends for their condolences, prayers and support during their recent bereavement.
Please treat this as a personal invitation from the family.
| Entry: 15 May 2023 | Source: Family
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here
I can’t believe I’m halfway through my journey already. It’s been 6 months since I’ve come to the UK and oh my, what a roller coaster it has been.
I think the biggest challenge for me thus far was to cope with the loneliness and the feeling of being homesick during winter. I remember feeling quite homesick in the month of January as it was cold and rainy, and I didn’t even have any classes that month to sort of keep myself occupied. I was initially happy when winter started as I had never experienced this season before; especially because I come from a country where its hot and humid all the time. The cold and rain made me want to just stay at home and lay in bed and watch my favourite movie and eat good food. Of course, that didn’t help getting rid of feeling homesick!
So, I decided to find a couple of ways to keep myself occupied and for me to overcome this phase:
Firstly, I started to cook a lot more. Back home in Malaysia, I used to be so lazy to cook and even help my mum in the kitchen. However, that feeling really changed since being in Cardiff. Cooking for me now is very much therapeutic. I cook to release my stress and I love the feeling of being able to cook a bowl of comfort food which reminds me of home. My cooking skills have become way better here and for the record, I can make round chapatis now which hopefully my mother approves of!
Secondly, I tried to expand my network of friends. I decided to take part in the Festival of Diversity organized by the Malaysian Students Society of Cardiff University. This was essentially a musical and I was part of the Wardrobe Department. I am really happy that I took the chance to be a part of this production as I made new friends and connections. The Malaysian Society here in Cardiff does feel like home away from home and it felt nice to mingle around with other fellow Malaysians. I also attended a Law Networking Event organized by the Law Society and I really enjoyed this event as it was all about networking and talking to other fellow aspiring lawyers. This really boosted my confidence and made me feel so much more motivated about my future journey as a barrister.
I even participated in a Virtual Speed Moot Competition which really helped develop my advocacy skills and I was able to put all my legal knowledge to practice. Law School has been one hell of a ride and I can’t believe that I’ll be graduating soon. I have got to learn so much from the amazing lecturers and tutors here at Cardiff University who have been nothing but approachable and helpful. I have been exposed to different areas of law through the various electives I have taken like Commercial Law and Intellectual Property Law. One aspect I found interesting was to learn about the Brexit movement in depth and how and why the UK withdrew from the EU. Though not a favourite subject of mine, I was able to put a ‘name to a face’ when learning about Brexit in EU law as I had only heard about this phenomenon and never looked into it in great detail.
Despite all the challenges I’ve faced, I have had such an amazing time exploring different cities. I went to Portugal for a short weekend trip with my cousins back in December and it was the best time ever. It was the perfect change in weather I needed because Cardiff was freezing cold, and Portugal was so sunny. During this trip, I explored Albufeira and Lagos and the different Praia’s were so magnificent and beautiful. One thing to take away from this trip was how to see and do so many touristy things in a small budget. I also took a day trip to Bristol with 2 of my friends. That was a nice scenic trip as we visited the Clifton Suspension Bridge and that overlooked a picturesque landscape of Bristol, and the views were to die for.
Gurvinderjit in Cardiff
March for me has been an exhilarating month rather, as I call it the month of ‘all my firsts’. I saw snow for the very first time in my life in March. I remember waking up early in the morning and as I pulled up my blinds, I saw that snow was literally falling down from the sky! I couldn’t believe my eyes and I immediately put on a jacket and went outside to play with the snow. I remember grinning from ear to ear while walking to class in the snow and I made sure to have the perfect picture taken of me just enjoying the very rare snowfall in Cardiff. I also played Holi for the very first time with my friends and that too in the rain! We danced to peppy Bollywood music and smeared colour on each other and took many pictures and videos.
On top of all these fun events that happened, I made sure to always be connected to God spiritually. I would go to the Gurdwara every Sunday and listen to kirtan and the katha preached by the Giani and I would try to do some seva as well. There was an initiative taken up by the Sikh Society in Cardiff University and that was to have a program called ‘langar on Campus’. I attended this event, and it was so peaceful and divine as you could see so many people from different cultures and backgrounds coming to have langar and appreciating Sikh culture and the faith. There was paath being played in the background and so many people volunteered to do seva. It felt so wonderful to see vand chakna happening in action; one of the three pillars of Sikhism preached by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Well, it has indeed been an amazing 6 months here in Cardiff and I love it here. I can’t wait to see what the future holds in store for me. Until next time then!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gurvinderjit Kaur, 19, is from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. After two years studying law at a private university in Malaysia, she is now in the final year at the Cardiff University. Click here for her earlier story. This note was written in March 2023.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
All is fair in love and war. So is the electoral battle for political supremacy.
The just concluded Jalandhar Lok Sabha by poll has reiterated the roar of rulers while remaining cry hoarse.
Sushil Kumar Rinku, who changed loyalties from Congress to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) just on eve of the crucial by poll, turned out to be a trump card in a battle that featured three sitting or ex-legislators besides the widow of the incumbent.rdccc
Stakes were high as all four main claimants to the seat for the remainder of the term went all out to win the mandate of this hot bed of Dalit politics. Congress, first to announce its candidate, named Karamjit Kaur, widow of Chaudhary Santokh Singh, whose untimely death led to this by poll.
Chaudhary family has been a dominant and popular political family of the Doab and has perhaps more legislative representations than any other single Dalit family in the state.
Groupism in the Punjab Congress notwithstanding, all senior leaders pledged their support to the Chaudhary family. Even Navjot Singh Sidhu, after release from Patiala jail, was among the first Congress leaders to visit Chaudhary family, to extend his support to Karamjit Kaur.
A party stronghold, Jalandhar has been voting for the Congress nominee for the last five consecutive terms since 1999. Karamjit, who studied MPhil and MA in history and English, has a rapport with people across the constituency. She served as the Principal, Government Arts and Sports College, Jalandhar.
When she superannuated she was Director of Public Instructions (Colleges). Since then, she has been actively campaigning for her husband as well as son Vikramjit Singh Chaudhary, an MLA from Phillaur. Chaudhary Santokh Singh represented a prominent political family. His father Master Gurbanta Singh was a minister and a seven-time MLA. His brother Chaudhary Jagjit Singh, too, was a minister and a five-time MLA. Besides winning the Lok Sabha poll in 2014 and 2019, Santokh Singh Chaudhary was a three-time MLA and served as a minister twice.
Politics comes naturally to Karamjit Kaur, who had been playing the role of a King Maker. Her son is a sitting member of Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Though it was her first electoral battle, her performance against the might of a ruling party makes her a strong contender when the general elections are called next year. She lost to her former party colleague and ex-MLA, Sushil Kumar Rinku, by nearly 60,000 votes in a quadrangular contest.
After Congress, Punjab’s ruling party AAP was in a quandary in finding a suitable candidate. Though it had won 92 seats in the 2022 State Assembly elections, its performance then was not satisfactory as it won only in four of nine Lok Sabha segments.
Its choice fell on Sushil Kumar Rinku who offered to quit Congress in return for a ticket to Lok Sabha. The pact worked. Being a former Congress legislator with substantial Dalit backing, Sushil Kumar Rinku lived up to his promise in making a major dent in his former party stronghold and give AAP its first ever Lok Sabha seat from the Doab region.
Incidentally, Sushil Kumar will be now the sole representative of AAP in Lok Sabha. The last AAP leader to sit in Lok Sabha was Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann who had to quit his seat after his election as Chief Minister of Punjab in March last year. In the subsequent Sangrur Lok Sabha by poll, AAP could not retain the seat that went to Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) chief Simranjt Singh Mann.
AAP needed to salvage some of its pride before the 2024 general elections. And Jalandhar provided the opportunity that AAP accepted. It was difficult and tough with all major political players making it a prestigious contest.
The semi-final has gone to AAP. It has improved its vote share in Jalandhar considerably. It was also a morale booster for the Shiromani Akali Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party (SAD-BJP) alliance as it pushed BJP to fourth spot. By polling 1.58 lakh votes, the SAD-BSP candidate, Dr Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, a sitting SAD MLA from Banga, proved he is no push over. Fighting against all odds, including losing popularity of his party, Sukhwinder Kumar ]]], has provided a ray of hope for the SAD.
Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, who along with his father Charanjit Singh Atwal, had switched loyalties from SAD to BJP, finished fourth, just 24,000 votes behind SAD-BSP candidate. The BJP could not have asked for more as it has been successful in sending a message that it could contest any Punjab seat on its own. It was the second time that BJP contested independently after Sangrur and finished among top four on both the occasions.The Jalandhar by poll provided a fair opportunity to all major political players to assess their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas where they have to work more before the 2024 elections.
(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience of 14 years with Reuters News and 30 years with The Tribune Group, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows.)
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Sikh and Punjabi graduates from Universiti Malaya (UM) are eagerly getting ready for their second reunion on June 24. The organising team is busy trying to reach out to alumni from all batches, including those who did diploma, degree, masters, PhD, distant learning and CLP.
Coming up is the ‘Bollywood Nite, Khana Aur Masti’ at the Havelly Kuala Lumpur on June 24, 2023, starting at 7pm.
Most of the UM Sikh alumni were at some point members of the Persatuan Agama Sikh Universiti Malaya (PasUM). Their last reunion took place in 2014.
“Our last gathering was about 10 years ago and since then a lot has happened in the last decade. Some have became grandparents, some parents, some migrated, some moved back to Malaysia and sadly some have left us forever. So come and join us. It will be an awesome evening, catching up and reminiscing the good old days,” ” said organising team member Meninder Kaur Jessy.
She called on everyone to join the event
“Even if you were not an active member of PasUM, we were all part of the same family in UM just at different times. We hope to see you there,” said Another one of the organizing team member.
For more details, call Menin Jessy at +6019-2867744.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal at the SEA Games 2023 – Photo: Supplied
By Asia Samachar | Malaysia |
Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal made a splash at the SEA Games 2023 in Cambodia, taking home a silver and a bronze medal in team events that both shattered Malaysian national records.
Arvin and team were beaten by the Singaporeans in the 4x100m freestyle at the event in Phonm Penh, but they clocked a new national record with a time of three minutes and 20.61 seconds. In the 100 free relay event, Arvin also had the fastest split at 49.64 which was a personal best.
Fellow swimmers in the men’s quartet were men’s 200m freestyle gold medallist Khiew Hoe Yean, Lim Yin Chuen and Terence Ng.
“It was a very good race, a redemption from last year, it feels good to get back on the podium,” Arvin Shaun was quoted in a media report.
Arvin and team also won a bronze in the 4x200m (m) freestyle. The quartet for the 4×100 m medley relay finished fifth but had set a new national record.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
The opening of the 130-minutes heart gripping drama of an immigrant mother’s battle against the Norwegian foster care system sets the scene of what is to come. It’s about a mother who is determined not to lose her two children – a three-year-old son and a 5-month old baby girl.
Inspired by a true story, Mrs. Chatterjee vs. Norway captures the plight of Debika, her husband Aniruddha, and their children Shubha and Shuchi. Two members of the Norwegian Child Welfare Services removed Shubha and Shuchi from their house during one of their routine inspections.
This sets off a series of court room drama to win back the custody of her children.
Rani Mukerji, who plays the mother, is in her fine elements all through the movie. From scenes of a caring and loving mother to a raving angry mum about to lose her children. she played her part.
The Hindi movie, just released on Netflix, is based on Sagarika Chakaraborty’s book The Journey of a Mother. It captures the story of Sagarika Bhattacharya, her husband Anup, and their two kids who uprooted their lives and relocated to Norway in order to find work. In 2011, Norwegian Child Welfare Services took the kids away from their parents because as per the authorities, the children were not treated well.
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
Surrey police has arrested a 58-year old gurdwara employee for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year old girl in or around the Gurudwara Dukh Nivaran.
In a statement on an ongoing investigation into a sexual assault at a temple in the Newton area, Surrey RCMP said it received a report on May 4 that a 15-year-old female youth had been sexually assaulted at or in the area of the gurdwara located in the 15200-block of 68 Avenue.
Upon investigation by the Surrey RCMP Special Victims Unit, it said it has identified a suspect who was arrested the next day.
It said the 58-year-old male suspect has been released on conditions, including no contact with the victim and not to be in the presence of anyone under the age of 16-year-old without another adult present.
It said the suspect is an employee at the temple, and the employer has been advised of the allegations and the conditions of his release. The investigation remains ongoing, and charges have not yet been laid.
“Our Special Victims Unit are leading this investigation, with support for the youth victim from Surrey Women’s Centre,” says Cpl. Sarbjit K Sangha, media relation officer of Surrey RCMP. “We urge anyone with information to come forward, as investigators continue to work to gather evidence and advance the investigation.”
ASIA SAMACHAR is an online newspaper for Sikhs / Punjabis in Southeast Asia and beyond. When you leave a comment at the bottom of this article, it takes time to appear as it is moderated by human being. Unless it is offensive or libelous, it should appear. You can also comment at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can reach us via WhatsApp +6017-335-1399 or email: asia.samachar@gmail.com. For obituary announcements, click here.
