Sikh youth stabbed at Toronto’s Dixie gurdwara

UPDATE: The 13-year old youth who was arrested that night has been charged with assault and is scheduled to appear in court on May 19. [source] Thanks to everyone who’s given more information in the comments!

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Some tragic news is coming out of Toronto tonight from the Dixie gurdwara’s Vaisakhi celebrations. Peel_regional_police.jpg

A Mississauga teen was stabbed in the stomach and seriously injured Tuesday night during a [Vaisakhi] celebration at the Ontario Khalsa Darbar temple in Mississauga.

The 15-year-old male was taken to the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto after the stabbing at around 10 p.m. in a kitchen in the temple’s basement. The victim was conscious and breathing, a Peel police officer said at the scene, and was believed to be in serious but not life-threatening condition.

Peel police arrested a teenager at the scene who is about the same age as the victim.

The stabbing happened during Vaisaki, an annual religious festival marking the start of the new solar years that, throughout the day, draws about 30,000 people to the temple, also known as Dixie Gurdwara. [link]

An equally young suspect is in custody, though no information about motive has been released yet.  If any readers in Toronto can update us, your southern neighbors would really appreciate it.

A suspect, about the same age as the victim, is in police custody. Police say the knife used in the stabbing may have been set out with some food. [link]

I’ll refrain from speculating about possible motives since there is so little information to go on right now.  What I can say at this point, regardless of the back story, is that there is no acceptable justification for this senseless act of violence.

I’ll update this entry as more information is released though. Our thoughts are with the young victim, his family, and Toronto’s sangat.


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54 Responses to “Sikh youth stabbed at Toronto’s Dixie gurdwara”

  1. Manpreet Briaana says:

    I was at the Gurudwarda last night when this unfortunate event occured. It's believed that the victim and aggressor know each other and someting flared up the violence between the two teenagers. Disappointing to see that the aggressor took the time to go to the kitchen to seek out a knife to attack the victim – senseless i think. Not pleased to see the media focus shift to SIkh violence on such an important week. I hope this incident raises awareness and concern around the direction our youth are taking. Especially in Toronto, the 'Y' generation is becoming concerning with lack of direction while idolizing western ideals and behaviour – not acceptable.

  2. Manpreet Briaana says:

    I was at the Gurudwarda last night when this unfortunate event occured. It’s believed that the victim and aggressor know each other and someting flared up the violence between the two teenagers. Disappointing to see that the aggressor took the time to go to the kitchen to seek out a knife to attack the victim – senseless i think. Not pleased to see the media focus shift to SIkh violence on such an important week. I hope this incident raises awareness and concern around the direction our youth are taking. Especially in Toronto, the ‘Y’ generation is becoming concerning with lack of direction while idolizing western ideals and behaviour – not acceptable.

  3. Reema says:

    Thanks for the info Manpreet! I agree with you- I hope this incident sparks some positive action for/by youth in Toronto…

  4. Reema says:

    Thanks for the info Manpreet! I agree with you- I hope this incident sparks some positive action for/by youth in Toronto…

  5. kevin says:

    What a sad event.. Kids stabbing each other and of all places in a place of religion.

    The Langar hall sure has some very encouraging pictures for people to be encouraged in such endeavors..

    I just hate going to that gurudwara.

  6. kevin says:

    What a sad event.. Kids stabbing each other and of all places in a place of religion.

    The Langar hall sure has some very encouraging pictures for people to be encouraged in such endeavors..

    I just hate going to that gurudwara.

  7. Aman says:

    Wow I think its ridiculous that you could even point the blame of that…Lets not take this out of context now, I'm sure its not a picture of a Shaheed in a gurudwara that is pushing kids to go around and kill each other, b/c lets be honest most of the kids in that langar hall would much rather listen to the words of tupac shakur and fifty cent apposed to the words of gurbani that were being preached into the very langar hall those kids were sitting in. I've been to dixie gurughar several times and when I actually stepped off my perch of hankaar i realized that the words of gurbani that were being sung during kirtan or interpreted during katha, were words of peace love and harmony. the concept of Sant Siphai is a central concept and a core theme that has always been discussed in OKD. It is not the fault of the sevadars if people do not choose to open their ears and listen to those words of love.

  8. Aman says:

    Wow I think its ridiculous that you could even point the blame of that…Lets not take this out of context now, I’m sure its not a picture of a Shaheed in a gurudwara that is pushing kids to go around and kill each other, b/c lets be honest most of the kids in that langar hall would much rather listen to the words of tupac shakur and fifty cent apposed to the words of gurbani that were being preached into the very langar hall those kids were sitting in. I’ve been to dixie gurughar several times and when I actually stepped off my perch of hankaar i realized that the words of gurbani that were being sung during kirtan or interpreted during katha, were words of peace love and harmony. the concept of Sant Siphai is a central concept and a core theme that has always been discussed in OKD. It is not the fault of the sevadars if people do not choose to open their ears and listen to those words of love.

  9. HE IS MY RELATIVE says:

    First of all….

    The accused is my direct relative, we do not agree that what he did was right, in fact he will be punished at home, there is more to the storey, the victim was also the bully. The Accused is a shy and i hate to say it nerdy kid who is picked on all the time, he lashed out, he is 13 years old, for gods sake, he had no idea what he was doing, his emotions overcame him, and I feel that people are judging without know the full situation. He was WRONG, he's a kid, he was a kid that was bullied. If you had children that were bullied all the time, day in and day out, and keep it to themselves and hide it from the family, and doesn't seek help stuff like this happens…. im sorry but they BOTH should be punished!!!!

    And for those who decide the accused was at fault, get the whole story before judging, put YOUR children in their place!

  10. HE IS MY RELATIVE says:

    Manpreet Briaana says: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 4:24 amI was at the Gurudwarda last night when this unfortunate event occured. It’s believed that the victim and aggressor know each other and someting flared up the violence between the two teenagers. Disappointing to see that the aggressor took the time to go to the kitchen to seek out a knife to attack the victim – senseless i think. Not pleased to see the media focus shift to SIkh violence on such an important week. I hope this incident raises awareness and concern around the direction our youth are taking. Especially in Toronto, the ‘Y’ generation is becoming concerning with lack of direction while idolizing western ideals and behaviour – not acceptable.

    FYI- the WHOLE THING HAPPENED IN THE SAME PLACE,Agressor did not go looking, they were cutting veggies together!!! Keep the ages in mind… do you remember when you were 13? Were you able to control your emotions? Im human, im not affraid to say that I was emotional at that age!

  11. HE IS MY RELATIVE says:

    First of all….

    The accused is my direct relative, we do not agree that what he did was right, in fact he will be punished at home, there is more to the storey, the victim was also the bully. The Accused is a shy and i hate to say it nerdy kid who is picked on all the time, he lashed out, he is 13 years old, for gods sake, he had no idea what he was doing, his emotions overcame him, and I feel that people are judging without know the full situation. He was WRONG, he’s a kid, he was a kid that was bullied. If you had children that were bullied all the time, day in and day out, and keep it to themselves and hide it from the family, and doesn’t seek help stuff like this happens…. im sorry but they BOTH should be punished!!!!

    And for those who decide the accused was at fault, get the whole story before judging, put YOUR children in their place!

  12. HE IS MY RELATIVE says:

    Manpreet Briaana says: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 at 4:24 amI was at the Gurudwarda last night when this unfortunate event occured. It’s believed that the victim and aggressor know each other and someting flared up the violence between the two teenagers. Disappointing to see that the aggressor took the time to go to the kitchen to seek out a knife to attack the victim – senseless i think. Not pleased to see the media focus shift to SIkh violence on such an important week. I hope this incident raises awareness and concern around the direction our youth are taking. Especially in Toronto, the ‘Y’ generation is becoming concerning with lack of direction while idolizing western ideals and behaviour – not acceptable.

    FYI- the WHOLE THING HAPPENED IN THE SAME PLACE,Agressor did not go looking, they were cutting veggies together!!! Keep the ages in mind… do you remember when you were 13? Were you able to control your emotions? Im human, im not affraid to say that I was emotional at that age!

  13. I left the Gurdwara same night around 8:30 probably just minutes before this incident happend .

    Indeed a sad event.

    I fear now in future , committee might be forced to put police in Gurdwara on such important functions.

    Gurfateh..

  14. I left the Gurdwara same night around 8:30 probably just minutes before this incident happend .
    Indeed a sad event.

    I fear now in future , committee might be forced to put police in Gurdwara on such important functions.

    Gurfateh..

  15. What is goin on? says:

    Listen – can you hear it?

    that is the sound of fingers pointing.

    who are they pointing at?

    not the accused, not the victim …

    they are pointing at us all.

    all of us, Sikh, Tdot, Youth, Gurudwara, Sevadars,

    All of us.

    Someone better step up soon and if it is not done as a group –

    sadly, this will only be another finger pointing, news flash that sterotypes all of us.

  16. What is goin on? says:

    Listen – can you hear it?
    that is the sound of fingers pointing.
    who are they pointing at?
    not the accused, not the victim …
    they are pointing at us all.
    all of us, Sikh, Tdot, Youth, Gurudwara, Sevadars,
    All of us.
    Someone better step up soon and if it is not done as a group –
    sadly, this will only be another finger pointing, news flash that sterotypes all of us.

  17. Sundari says:

    @HIMR, you say: If you had children that were bullied all the time, day in and day out, and keep it to themselves and hide it from the family, and doesn’t seek help stuff like this happens

    It is definitely sad to hear that the Sikhs involved were so young. I don't know the facts, so I am in no position to say who was at fault. My comment will be about the Sikh community and whether or not we hold some responsibility? There seems to be a deeper issue here regarding the youth which Manpreet was suggesting – their direction, their sense of belonging perhaps. Also, it is disheartening to hear that your relative was bullied – perhaps if our community was more proactive in addressing these issues when they occur (we do the same thing with domestic violence) – then maybe these issues wouldn't need to end the way they did in this situation.

    Our community has consistently excused behavior (boys will be boys, right?) and it does us no justice to continue to do that. They are just kids, but that doesn't make it okay and we need to stop making excuses for the youth and rather do somethign more proactive.

  18. Sundari says:

    @HIMR, you say: If you had children that were bullied all the time, day in and day out, and keep it to themselves and hide it from the family, and doesn’t seek help stuff like this happens

    It is definitely sad to hear that the Sikhs involved were so young. I don’t know the facts, so I am in no position to say who was at fault. My comment will be about the Sikh community and whether or not we hold some responsibility? There seems to be a deeper issue here regarding the youth which Manpreet was suggesting – their direction, their sense of belonging perhaps. Also, it is disheartening to hear that your relative was bullied – perhaps if our community was more proactive in addressing these issues when they occur (we do the same thing with domestic violence) – then maybe these issues wouldn’t need to end the way they did in this situation.

    Our community has consistently excused behavior (boys will be boys, right?) and it does us no justice to continue to do that. They are just kids, but that doesn’t make it okay and we need to stop making excuses for the youth and rather do somethign more proactive.

  19. TheTruth says:

    HesMyRelative,

    1. Thats great you decided to punish him at home, you make it sound like he didn't commit A CRIME UNDER CANADIAN LAW and he gets pass because you allege he was bullied (we can't confirm or deny that here). What if the victim had died from the stabbing, would you still be saying "our is guy is in the wrong here, but hey dont worry about it he was bullied and its a family matter and we will punish him at home." What about if he murdered this kid?

    2. We dont need you to punish him at home, thanks for the offer, but any citizen of canada that decided to cause significant bodily harm to another deserves to appear in court and NEEDS TO BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE FULL EXTENT OF THE JUVENILE LAW SYSTEM.

    3. Being a nerd/shy kid or of any personality type does not excuse him from the consequences of his actions. He is 13 correct? Meaning grade 6 or 7 I'm guessing. I'm sure he knew that STABBING other kid would get him arrested and in trouble with the law. Not controlling your emotions can cause you to end up in jail if you actions break the law.

    4. You make it seem that you accept he (the stabber) is wrong, but still defend what he did because he was bullied and that washes his hands cleans because the victim had been the bully and they both are even now. Do really think that in cases where people have killed or seriously injured by people who claimed to have been bullied, deserve a pass on their horrible actions and should face no LEGAL consequences?

    5. If I had a son or any family members kill or seriously stab anyone because they say they did it because they were bullied, I would tell the Police TAKE MY SON TO JAIL and prosecute them. No one is above the law. BUT if someone had provoked them physically with a weapon, and then they fought back with knife or whatever in selfdefence, then that would be different. Yet if they just went up to somebody and stabbed them or shot them dead because they were bullied, I could never defend that. I would understand why they did it, but I could never defend it.

    And I also remember when I was 13, and I've been bullied, and so has everyone else, and I'm sure emotions have been charged in those situations, BUT I never stabbed anyone and neither did you. Why should you cousin hide behind the excuse of "being really really mad and angry from all the bullying, and then stabbing someone".

    In short, please realize I dont think the person who stabbed the victim is a good or bad kid, nor do I think the victim is the a good or bad kid. All I'm saying is, if the victim did not physically try harm you cousin before he supposedly stabbed him, then you cousins actions are at fault. Thank you for letting us know WHY he lashed out and stabbed the victim, BUT under out legal system, he should be charged. I feel that if he or even if my family have broken the law, they deserve to be arrested and punished. He may very well be a nice kid and I agree no one deserves to be bullied, but he has to realize that he cant go stabbing someone everytime someone bullied him. There are other ways to solve that.

    Lastly, would you still be defending such actions if the situation was reversed, where the victim did the stabbing and you cousin did the bleeding and bullying? If yes, then what if someone died at dixie that night? Is it okay to kill someone if they call you names and pick on you? I'm not defending bullying, far from it, victim is wrong in that sense, but thats no where nearly as bad as stabbing someone.

    DIDN'T MEAN TO POST SOMETHING SO LONG, BUT I GREW UP GOING TO DIXIE AS A KID, AND IT REALLY HURTs TO SEE THE FINGERS BEING POINTED AT SIKHS FOR SOMETHING SO FOOLISH AND ISOLATED.

  20. TheTruth says:

    HesMyRelative,

    1. Thats great you decided to punish him at home, you make it sound like he didn’t commit A CRIME UNDER CANADIAN LAW and he gets pass because you allege he was bullied (we can’t confirm or deny that here). What if the victim had died from the stabbing, would you still be saying “our is guy is in the wrong here, but hey dont worry about it he was bullied and its a family matter and we will punish him at home.” What about if he murdered this kid?

    2. We dont need you to punish him at home, thanks for the offer, but any citizen of canada that decided to cause significant bodily harm to another deserves to appear in court and NEEDS TO BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE FULL EXTENT OF THE JUVENILE LAW SYSTEM.

    3. Being a nerd/shy kid or of any personality type does not excuse him from the consequences of his actions. He is 13 correct? Meaning grade 6 or 7 I’m guessing. I’m sure he knew that STABBING other kid would get him arrested and in trouble with the law. Not controlling your emotions can cause you to end up in jail if you actions break the law.

    4. You make it seem that you accept he (the stabber) is wrong, but still defend what he did because he was bullied and that washes his hands cleans because the victim had been the bully and they both are even now. Do really think that in cases where people have killed or seriously injured by people who claimed to have been bullied, deserve a pass on their horrible actions and should face no LEGAL consequences?

    5. If I had a son or any family members kill or seriously stab anyone because they say they did it because they were bullied, I would tell the Police TAKE MY SON TO JAIL and prosecute them. No one is above the law. BUT if someone had provoked them physically with a weapon, and then they fought back with knife or whatever in selfdefence, then that would be different. Yet if they just went up to somebody and stabbed them or shot them dead because they were bullied, I could never defend that. I would understand why they did it, but I could never defend it.

    And I also remember when I was 13, and I’ve been bullied, and so has everyone else, and I’m sure emotions have been charged in those situations, BUT I never stabbed anyone and neither did you. Why should you cousin hide behind the excuse of “being really really mad and angry from all the bullying, and then stabbing someone”.

    In short, please realize I dont think the person who stabbed the victim is a good or bad kid, nor do I think the victim is the a good or bad kid. All I’m saying is, if the victim did not physically try harm you cousin before he supposedly stabbed him, then you cousins actions are at fault. Thank you for letting us know WHY he lashed out and stabbed the victim, BUT under out legal system, he should be charged. I feel that if he or even if my family have broken the law, they deserve to be arrested and punished. He may very well be a nice kid and I agree no one deserves to be bullied, but he has to realize that he cant go stabbing someone everytime someone bullied him. There are other ways to solve that.

    Lastly, would you still be defending such actions if the situation was reversed, where the victim did the stabbing and you cousin did the bleeding and bullying? If yes, then what if someone died at dixie that night? Is it okay to kill someone if they call you names and pick on you? I’m not defending bullying, far from it, victim is wrong in that sense, but thats no where nearly as bad as stabbing someone.

    DIDN’T MEAN TO POST SOMETHING SO LONG, BUT I GREW UP GOING TO DIXIE AS A KID, AND IT REALLY HURTs TO SEE THE FINGERS BEING POINTED AT SIKHS FOR SOMETHING SO FOOLISH AND ISOLATED.

  21. Manpreet Briaana says:

    Okay…i think we need to all get some perspective here. Both these guys have done the wrong thing….we know that. Bullying is a serious issue as is the exposure to violence that this generation has. Let's hope that this issue raises awareness within our community so that parents and our community pay more attention to our children. It's ironic that this incident happened the night before that Sikh kid in Montreal was aquitted of threatening a classmate allegedly with his kirpan/"hair pin". very negative press that our community can do without. Lessons learned but both both families need our support instead of the situaiton being fuelled further.

  22. Manpreet Briaana says:

    Okay…i think we need to all get some perspective here. Both these guys have done the wrong thing….we know that. Bullying is a serious issue as is the exposure to violence that this generation has. Let’s hope that this issue raises awareness within our community so that parents and our community pay more attention to our children. It’s ironic that this incident happened the night before that Sikh kid in Montreal was aquitted of threatening a classmate allegedly with his kirpan/”hair pin”. very negative press that our community can do without. Lessons learned but both both families need our support instead of the situaiton being fuelled further.

  23. Guru Sahib da Nimana says:

    What I am about to talk about mite seem a little off the subject; but THINK ABOUT IT. The big thing is that the Gurdwara administration needs to start policies in which the people can be watched over and kind of controlled. Like when we go to Darbar Sahib you see all the Singhs with the orange cholas with the spears, no one dares to do anything stupid; and if someone is making a mistake they tell them. I still remmeber, last new years eve, I was at Rexdale Gurdwara Sahib, and these two group of teenagers were taunting each other: "yo you wanna mess, come me gonna mess you up". And all the parents and admin. were totally obvlivous to all of it. And lets not forget wat happened at Dixie Gurdwara Sahib last Divalee. A group of kids who were in the upper halls, and had no business there (no program was going on there), started lighting matches and well started a FIRE, and guess what happened, Guru Maharajs saroop was damaged. These stupid kids don't come to practice faith, they just come to see their stupid friends. Its the parents fault to, you gotta watch over your kids; being bullied is no excuse to go stabb someone. Basically, this mite sounds drastic, what we should do is that set up a group of Singhs in each Gurdwara, and soon as anybody sees any group of kids using the halls for socializing or jumping around, they go take care of them.

    Bhul Chuk Maaf Karna

  24. Guru Sahib da Nimana says:

    Guys I think we should forgive the young lad. I no it's pretty seriuous, but he is only 13. AND BELLEVE ME if is this person was at or above the age of 18, I would make it my personal mission to teach him a lesson, being that he dared to injure a member of the Sangat. At that age (13-15) kids are going through stuff, like we obviously should try to teach him better and the big thing this we need to encourage him to join a better group of friends. Some kids are pretty stupid and show attitude to other kids for no reason, at the end those kids just feel so alone and isolated- having friends at that age is important. And on the top of this, he was being bullied so lets be a little more …. understanding. I am sure he is remorseful for what he did, if he isn't, God help them.

  25. Guru Sahib da Nimanaa Sikh says:

    What I am about to talk about mite seem a little off the subject; but THINK ABOUT IT. The big thing is that the Gurdwara administration needs to start policies in which the people can be watched over and kind of controlled. Like when we go to Darbar Sahib you see all the Singhs with the orange cholas with the spears, no one dares to do anything stupid; and if someone is making a mistake they tell them. I still remmeber, last new years eve, I was at Rexdale Gurdwara Sahib, and these two group of teenagers were taunting each other: “yo you wanna mess, come me gonna mess you up”. And all the parents and admin. were totally obvlivous to all of it. And lets not forget wat happened at Dixie Gurdwara Sahib last Divalee. A group of kids who were in the upper halls, and had no business there (no program was going on there), started lighting matches and well started a FIRE, and guess what happened, Guru Maharajs saroop was damaged. These stupid kids don’t come to practice faith, they just come to see their stupid friends. Its the parents fault to, you gotta watch over your kids; being bullied is no excuse to go stabb someone. Basically, this mite sounds drastic, what we should do is that set up a group of Singhs in each Gurdwara, and soon as anybody sees any group of kids using the halls for socializing or jumping around, they go take care of them.

    Bhul Chuk Maaf Karna

  26. Guru Sahib da Nimanaa Sikh says:

    Guys I think we should forgive the young lad. I no it’s pretty seriuous, but he is only 13. AND BELLEVE ME if is this person was at or above the age of 18, I would make it my personal mission to teach him a lesson, being that he dared to injure a member of the Sangat. At that age (13-15) kids are going through stuff, like we obviously should try to teach him better and the big thing this we need to encourage him to join a better group of friends. Some kids are pretty stupid and show attitude to other kids for no reason, at the end those kids just feel so alone and isolated- having friends at that age is important. And on the top of this, he was being bullied so lets be a little more …. understanding. I am sure he is remorseful for what he did, if he isn’t, God help them.

  27. Sunny S says:

    TheTruth ,

    I agree 100% with everything you said, thank you for posting that

    it was needed.

  28. Sunny S says:

    You should be reporter! "TheTruth"

    I know I am kind of getting off topic right now,

    BUT

    Today's gurdwara's, are all about the money, don't take it in as serious comment, I am sikh my self. For example "Rexdale Gurdwara" has not spent much money on the physical look of the gurdwara, but they are finally making some what change upstairs.

    A gurdwara that is well forth spiritual is "GURSIKH SABHA GURDWARA" located in SCARBOROUGH.

    Please tell me if I am wrong.

  29. Sunny S says:

    TheTruth ,

    I agree 100% with everything you said, thank you for posting that
    it was needed.

  30. Sunny S says:

    You should be reporter! “TheTruth”
    I know I am kind of getting off topic right now,
    BUT
    Today’s gurdwara’s, are all about the money, don’t take it in as serious comment, I am sikh my self. For example “Rexdale Gurdwara” has not spent much money on the physical look of the gurdwara, but they are finally making some what change upstairs.
    A gurdwara that is well forth spiritual is “GURSIKH SABHA GURDWARA” located in SCARBOROUGH.
    Please tell me if I am wrong.

  31. HE IS MY RELATIVE says:

    TheTruth….

    Where in my post did I say that he shouldn’t be punished?

    Again you’re not aware of the full story, all you hear about it is what is in the news. Since that day the 13 yesr old had been in shock, not eating, not talking to any of his friends, or family, Yes that does sound like a child who needs to go to jail, He needs help, and people attacking the situation, and blaming him may lead to other things…

    the biggest problem with our society is that things that are VERY noticable for western cultures, like depression goes unnoticed and untreated…. and with all the violence now and pressure now to fit in, and be “cool”, and having the mentallity, im bigger and badder than you attitude—a kid is branded as gangter/thug/dangerous as soon as he commits an act of violence…which once your labeled the BIG BAD— you live up to it at that age and carry it on, and meet others in bad crowds…. while some children dont….most do.

    Yes ur right…if e ewre victim, we would have a different POV…. mind you, my dad is sikh, if i bullied someone and got hurt out of it, i would get me behind wooped on top of it.

  32. HE IS MY RELATIVE says:

    TheTruth….

    Where in my post did I say that he shouldn’t be punished?

    Again you’re not aware of the full story, all you hear about it is what is in the news. Since that day the 13 yesr old had been in shock, not eating, not talking to any of his friends, or family, Yes that does sound like a child who needs to go to jail, He needs help, and people attacking the situation, and blaming him may lead to other things…

    the biggest problem with our society is that things that are VERY noticable for western cultures, like depression goes unnoticed and untreated…. and with all the violence now and pressure now to fit in, and be “cool”, and having the mentallity, im bigger and badder than you attitude—a kid is branded as gangter/thug/dangerous as soon as he commits an act of violence…which once your labeled the BIG BAD— you live up to it at that age and carry it on, and meet others in bad crowds…. while some children dont….most do.

    Yes ur right…if e ewre victim, we would have a different POV…. mind you, my dad is sikh, if i bullied someone and got hurt out of it, i would get me behind wooped on top of it.

  33. Manpreet Briaana says:

    okay just got an update on what happened. the charges against the agressor were dropped as all the witnesses saw what happened. the victim was bullying the agressor and pushed him 3-4 times against the tables while sangat was around. contrary to what was suggested earlier, the aggressor saw a knife nearby on the table and stuck it up in self defense. when the bully came by to attack him the 5th time, he pushed himself into the blade. earlier reports suggested the aggressor went looking for the knife but its not true. i know both kids as they're regularily at the gurudwara watching us play soccer in the gym. thankfully both families have been spared pain, expense and further humiliation but i believe both youths will have learned valuable life lessons. thankfully there was no loss of life as this would have taken another turn.

  34. Manpreet Briaana says:

    okay just got an update on what happened. the charges against the agressor were dropped as all the witnesses saw what happened. the victim was bullying the agressor and pushed him 3-4 times against the tables while sangat was around. contrary to what was suggested earlier, the aggressor saw a knife nearby on the table and stuck it up in self defense. when the bully came by to attack him the 5th time, he pushed himself into the blade. earlier reports suggested the aggressor went looking for the knife but its not true. i know both kids as they’re regularily at the gurudwara watching us play soccer in the gym. thankfully both families have been spared pain, expense and further humiliation but i believe both youths will have learned valuable life lessons. thankfully there was no loss of life as this would have taken another turn.

  35. Reema says:

    Manpreet,

    Thanks for the update and clarification on what happened! It's a relief to hear that the story is less disturbing (though still quite disturbing) than was reported earlier.

  36. Reema says:

    Manpreet,

    Thanks for the update and clarification on what happened! It’s a relief to hear that the story is less disturbing (though still quite disturbing) than was reported earlier.

  37. TheTruth says:

    Thank you Manpreet for the update. I hope the so called accused, your cousin HMR, gets the same news coverage now letting everyone know that he was defending himself from the so called victim, who in my eyes is the real attacker and the root of the problem here.

    Its great to know that this was in SELF DEFENCE. I feel relieved almost to know that was the case even though there was a stabbing. No one deserves to have anyone place their hands on them. You cousin was just defending himself against a physical attack. I wish that had been more clearly stated in you original post HMR that your cousin WAS ATTACKED first. You simply stated he was bullied which is vague in terms of physical or verbal. I figured it was verbal, since its Dixie, and I'm sure a uncle or an auntie wouldve have stepped in if there was an altercation prior to your cousin defending himself, but that didnt happen and your cousin did what he had to do to defend himself.

    Getting attacked, and then defending yourself, is hugely different then being picked on and then out of emotional instability picking up a weapon and causing bodily harm.

    1. HMR, in your the first post, it sounded as if you were saying indirectly, dont worry guys we punished him at home so lets take it easy on him now because we already punished him.

    2. I was not aware of the whole story, but you claimed to be his relative and I simply responded to your post.I had your version of the attack before I made my comments where you stated he had been bullied, but not specifically physically attacked (WHICH IS A HUGE OMISSION ON YOUR PART). You never said he acted in self defense but rather saying his lost his emotions and picked up a knife.Had you said:

    " Guys listen, my cousin was physically attacked repeatedly, so out of fear for his own personal safety he picked up a knife in hopes to scare his attacker away, but it did not help and my cousin was forced to use the knife in SELF DEFENCE and peopl saw it and can confirm it."

    I'm sure no one would have said anything bad about you cousin stabbing the so called victim. I would go as far as saying he is very brave, and did what any of us may have done had we really feared for our safety. So tell your cousin, that he has my support and I hope of everyone else as well if this was infact done in self defense. He should feel proud, because he stood up for himself and fought back when he was just trying to enjoy his evening. But then some idiot came along and attacked him. Your cousin deserves to be protected under the laws pretaining to self defense even if your cousins attacker had died in my opinion. Thankfully no one died, but your cousins action of stabbing his attacker out of self defence is fine by me, and further more, the kid who attacked your cousin and got stabbed deserves punishment in my eyes because he started the whole thing and is the only one in the wrong here if the self defense situation is true.

    3. And remember I know my post was long, but I wasnt piling on your cousins character or him as a person but his alleged actions didn;t seem right if he didnt act out of self defense. Manpreet says it was a self defense, so if thats true and I hope it is, your cousin deserves to be exonerated of all charges and citytv needs report he stabbed another kid out of self defense, and not malice and hate. I was also responding to the points made in your first post and how I felt that in the absence of the stabbing being in selfdefence, your cousin didnt have a leg to stand legally in the courts that is.

    Again apologies for the length, but this has touched a deep nerve with the sikh community here and it seems people are always looking to make it seems as if we are knife brandishing animals. Perfect example of that is the montreal kid who was charged and dragged through the mud in montreal. Thankfully he was cleared of all charges, and I hope the same happens to your cousin.

    I hope other gurdawaras take steps to make sure this does not happen again and dont allow kids around knives period. If they want to help and do seva, tell the kiddies to go serve some water or pass out persauday and have them away from cutting veggies.

  38. TheTruth says:

    Thank you Manpreet for the update. I hope the so called accused, your cousin HMR, gets the same news coverage now letting everyone know that he was defending himself from the so called victim, who in my eyes is the real attacker and the root of the problem here.

    Its great to know that this was in SELF DEFENCE. I feel relieved almost to know that was the case even though there was a stabbing. No one deserves to have anyone place their hands on them. You cousin was just defending himself against a physical attack. I wish that had been more clearly stated in you original post HMR that your cousin WAS ATTACKED first. You simply stated he was bullied which is vague in terms of physical or verbal. I figured it was verbal, since its Dixie, and I’m sure a uncle or an auntie wouldve have stepped in if there was an altercation prior to your cousin defending himself, but that didnt happen and your cousin did what he had to do to defend himself.

    Getting attacked, and then defending yourself, is hugely different then being picked on and then out of emotional instability picking up a weapon and causing bodily harm.

    1. HMR, in your the first post, it sounded as if you were saying indirectly, dont worry guys we punished him at home so lets take it easy on him now because we already punished him.

    2. I was not aware of the whole story, but you claimed to be his relative and I simply responded to your post.I had your version of the attack before I made my comments where you stated he had been bullied, but not specifically physically attacked (WHICH IS A HUGE OMISSION ON YOUR PART). You never said he acted in self defense but rather saying his lost his emotions and picked up a knife.Had you said:

    ” Guys listen, my cousin was physically attacked repeatedly, so out of fear for his own personal safety he picked up a knife in hopes to scare his attacker away, but it did not help and my cousin was forced to use the knife in SELF DEFENCE and peopl saw it and can confirm it.”

    I’m sure no one would have said anything bad about you cousin stabbing the so called victim. I would go as far as saying he is very brave, and did what any of us may have done had we really feared for our safety. So tell your cousin, that he has my support and I hope of everyone else as well if this was infact done in self defense. He should feel proud, because he stood up for himself and fought back when he was just trying to enjoy his evening. But then some idiot came along and attacked him. Your cousin deserves to be protected under the laws pretaining to self defense even if your cousins attacker had died in my opinion. Thankfully no one died, but your cousins action of stabbing his attacker out of self defence is fine by me, and further more, the kid who attacked your cousin and got stabbed deserves punishment in my eyes because he started the whole thing and is the only one in the wrong here if the self defense situation is true.

    3. And remember I know my post was long, but I wasnt piling on your cousins character or him as a person but his alleged actions didn;t seem right if he didnt act out of self defense. Manpreet says it was a self defense, so if thats true and I hope it is, your cousin deserves to be exonerated of all charges and citytv needs report he stabbed another kid out of self defense, and not malice and hate. I was also responding to the points made in your first post and how I felt that in the absence of the stabbing being in selfdefence, your cousin didnt have a leg to stand legally in the courts that is.

    Again apologies for the length, but this has touched a deep nerve with the sikh community here and it seems people are always looking to make it seems as if we are knife brandishing animals. Perfect example of that is the montreal kid who was charged and dragged through the mud in montreal. Thankfully he was cleared of all charges, and I hope the same happens to your cousin.

    I hope other gurdawaras take steps to make sure this does not happen again and dont allow kids around knives period. If they want to help and do seva, tell the kiddies to go serve some water or pass out persauday and have them away from cutting veggies.

  39. Guru Sahib da Nimana says:

    I am getting the feeling, and I'm probably wrong, that they were likely play fighting at first and then things escalated. I doubt the "bullys" intentions were to hassle this kid around, and I think the kid who picked up the knife was probably trying to scare the other kid (like joking around). It was'nt like "omg this guy has been beating me up and bullying me so much, let me finally defend myself by picking up this knife." One minute kids are pretending to be goku and vegita, other minute its mike tisen. This is just a thought, me prolly wrong, so sorry.

  40. Guru Sahib da Nimanaa Sikh says:

    I am getting the feeling, and I’m probably wrong, that they were likely play fighting at first and then things escalated. I doubt the “bullys” intentions were to hassle this kid around, and I think the kid who picked up the knife was probably trying to scare the other kid (like joking around). It was’nt like “omg this guy has been beating me up and bullying me so much, let me finally defend myself by picking up this knife.” One minute kids are pretending to be goku and vegita, other minute its mike tisen. This is just a thought, me prolly wrong, so sorry.

  41. Antonietta says:

    I wish to comment on the stabbing at the temple. I am not Sikh but Roam Catholic, Italian parents, with the desire to learn more about other religions the Sihk religion one of them. It was a sad event however this incident must be examined in a broader presepctive. I do not believe that the stabbing connection to the fact that it was in a temple. The children, as we must remember that they are children, were simply partaking in the normal activity of the temple. One that I might add should be coomended because youths are being involved in the religious life of their religion. The stabbing simply reflects a growing concern amoung the youths and adults today; violence,bullying (form of violence), depression, frustration and isolation.Society and any religious affliation needs to address these concerns. Does religious guidance help. Defineatley, and in my limited knowledge of the Sikh religion the guides, tools and teachings will help. The problems youths face today are not new.I refuse to believe that they are any worse today.I am almost 50 years old and I saw the same problems in my youth. They were just not talked about. What I do see is a majority of youths today as vibrant individuals who wish the best for their society while still a need to define themselves, one of the major teaching of the Sikh faith. I hope that any insight and guidance into this incident will be shared by the rest of the community and not only the Sikh for we need to answer to our youths. Religion if used for peace, guidance and fulfillment to ourselves and to a greater power will help. To coin an old phrase….Keep the faith.

  42. Antonietta says:

    I wish to comment on the stabbing at the temple. I am not Sikh but Roam Catholic, Italian parents, with the desire to learn more about other religions the Sihk religion one of them. It was a sad event however this incident must be examined in a broader presepctive. I do not believe that the stabbing connection to the fact that it was in a temple. The children, as we must remember that they are children, were simply partaking in the normal activity of the temple. One that I might add should be coomended because youths are being involved in the religious life of their religion. The stabbing simply reflects a growing concern amoung the youths and adults today; violence,bullying (form of violence), depression, frustration and isolation.Society and any religious affliation needs to address these concerns. Does religious guidance help. Defineatley, and in my limited knowledge of the Sikh religion the guides, tools and teachings will help. The problems youths face today are not new.I refuse to believe that they are any worse today.I am almost 50 years old and I saw the same problems in my youth. They were just not talked about. What I do see is a majority of youths today as vibrant individuals who wish the best for their society while still a need to define themselves, one of the major teaching of the Sikh faith. I hope that any insight and guidance into this incident will be shared by the rest of the community and not only the Sikh for we need to answer to our youths. Religion if used for peace, guidance and fulfillment to ourselves and to a greater power will help. To coin an old phrase….Keep the faith.

  43. JSD says:

    all of you people are overreacting!

    sh*t happens.

  44. JSD says:

    all of you people are overreacting!

    sh*t happens.

  45. He's My Reletiv says:

    The Truth:

    well im sorry that i didn't clearly post it at first… and this offended you, but what ppl seem to realise is that when this kind of thing happens, Police and Lawyers advise against blabbing to the world… the police can release limited info because of teir age… and JSD- AGREED DUDE!

  46. He's My Reletive says:

    The Truth:

    well im sorry that i didn’t clearly post it at first… and this offended you, but what ppl seem to realise is that when this kind of thing happens, Police and Lawyers advise against blabbing to the world… the police can release limited info because of teir age… and JSD- AGREED DUDE!

  47. Gurjeet Singh says:

    My name is Gurjeet Singh and im planning to settle in

    Toronto for life time. dear sir i want to know is there any sikh

    society or organisation in canada which help new commers to settle in

    canada like help in finding new home and some sort of sources to make

    income. Sir if you have any knowledge about this matter please write

    down to me because i did not know any one in canada.

    Please help me my friends

  48. Gurjeet Singh says:

    My name is Gurjeet Singh and im planning to settle in
    Toronto for life time. dear sir i want to know is there any sikh
    society or organisation in canada which help new commers to settle in
    canada like help in finding new home and some sort of sources to make
    income. Sir if you have any knowledge about this matter please write
    down to me because i did not know any one in canada.

    Please help me my friends