“We Respect Community Sewadars Like Joginder Singh Sunner, ” Said Sikh Sangat Society!
According to LINK sources, it appears that Joginder Singh Sunner sought to distance himself from the current Executive over allegations of questionable political tactics in the electioneering process. The LINK has not been able to talk to Sunner who is currently out of town.
VANCOUVER – An unexpected resignation by Khalsa Diwan Society Ross Gurdwara General Secretary, Joginder Singh Sunner from the temple executive last Sunday morning has opponents smelling trouble within the troubled current executive which has been fighting the Sikh Sangat Society over membership and other issues related to an election that is still to be held.
Sunner was expected to serve as General Secretary of the recently ‘un-elected’ executive, slated to assume control next month. The self-appointed slate’s aspirations were extinguished when a British Columbia judge ordered that control not be unilaterally handed over the group after Sikh Sangat took the Executive to court over the issue.
For those who may not know, Sunner has served as General Secretary for seven years, garnering community support and much respect for his hard work.
According to community sources, it appears that Sunner sought to distance himself from the current Executive over allegations of questionable political tactics in the electioneering process.
The LINK tried to contact Sunner to see what caused him to resign but his brother-in-law told us that Sunner was not in town.
According to LINK sources, Sunner was offended and felt disrespected when a high-ranking political organizer – who was allegedly drunk – telephoned Sunner one evening and hurled abuses for sharing his opinion about the current crisis at Ross Street Gurdwara. Sunner was also allegedly threatened, according to LINK sources but this has not been confirmed.
The LINK editor knows Sunner well as he is the brother-in-law (Jeeza) of his high school friend and we will try our best to get to the bottom of why the well respected Sunner resigned or if he was threatened.
Meanwhile the Sikh Sangat Society came in support of Sunner and said his resignation points to what is wrong with the current administration at Ross Street temple.
“Joginder Singh Sunner is a good guy. He is hardworking, friendly, gets along with everyone and has served the Gurdwara to the best of his ability. He is not aligned with a power-driven control group, but rather, has demonstrated the qualities of a humble servant of the Guru,” stated Sikh Sangat Society.
“We respect community sewadars like Joginder Singh, and denounce anyone who disrespects service-driven volunteers like him. Instead of honoring a person for their loyal, honest hard work, he’s been shamefully abused.”
Sikh Sangat saidthat there are only a handful of individuals driving a muddy political agenda, where anyone who ask questions or speaks out is forcibly muzzled.
Sikh Sangat believes that last week’s devastating defeat in the courtroom has led to cracks in the group, where following the unexpected verdict, many left defeated and upset.
This week’s sudden resignation is yet another indication of how the grip of the inner ranks of the old-school political activists is weakening.
“These people have failed to safeguard the Sangat’s donation dollars. They continue to go to court for the same reasons over and over again, and simply do not care how much donation money is spent on legal fees along the way. Instead, they just want to keep control by all means.”
In February 2015, the current executive committee will be in court – again.
Sikh Sagat said it’s time for all good people, like Sunner, to speak out and let the truth be heard so that the Gurdwara can be properly managed and better programs can be implemented.
