Surrey, September 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has called for unity, mutual respect and a fact-based discussion amid the controversy surrounding the Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in Surrey, British Columbia.
In a statement, WSO said it had reviewed the communication issued by the Secretariat of Sri Akal Takht Sahib and welcomed its emphasis on establishing the facts of the incident. The organization also supported the appeal for the Sikh Sangat in British Columbia and across Canada to approach the matter with mutual respect, goodwill and unity.
WSO said the utmost Satkaar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is paramount for Sikhs, and all concerns relating to the transportation, handling and care of Saroops must be taken seriously and addressed in accordance with Sikh Maryada.
The organization said the incident had raised legitimate questions requiring thoughtful Panthic discussion, including whether transporting Saroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by sea is appropriate and what standards of Satkaar and Maryada should be maintained throughout such a journey. However, it stressed that discussion of the specific incident must be grounded in verified facts.
Referring to the events at Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Surrey, WSO said that, according to the Gurdwara committee’s account and the video of the incident, the Saroops were not placed inside the vans shown in the footage and were not handed over to the individuals who had travelled from Toronto to receive them.
The organization noted that the Gurdwara had acknowledged that the vehicles should have been inspected before the Saroops were brought out and had accepted that this was an error. WSO said that when the vehicles were inspected and found to lack appropriate arrangements, the Saroops were taken back inside.
WSO expressed concern over what it described as misinformation and disinformation circulating about the episode. It said legitimate questions about Satkaar and Maryada should not be dismissed and that any mistakes should be acknowledged and corrected. At the same time, it emphasized that allegations must accurately reflect what took place.
The organization also cautioned that sensitive issues involving Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji could be exploited by forces seeking to deepen divisions among Sikhs in Canada. It urged the community to remain vigilant against attempts to inflame emotions, spread inaccurate information or turn legitimate concerns about Satkaar into conflict.
Reiterating the concluding message of the communication from Sri Akal Takht Sahib, WSO called on the Sikh Sangat in British Columbia and Canada to remain guided by respect for Guru Sahib and work cooperatively with Gurdwara Sahib management to foster mutual love, goodwill and unity.
The organization said there must be room for questions, accountability and improvements to existing practices, but that discussions should be conducted through dialogue and mutual respect.
WSO further called on Sikh institutions, Panthic bodies and the Sangat to work together to establish appropriate standards for the transportation and distribution of Saroops in Canada and North America.
“Our shared commitment to the Satkaar of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji should be a source of unity for the Panth, not an opportunity for exploiting divisions,” the organization said.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada is a non-profit organization that works to promote and protect the interests of Canadian Sikhs and advocate for the human rights of all individuals, irrespective of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or social and economic status.
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