Surrey Now: World Sikh group targets violence against women

SURREY - After the assault that led to the death of Narinder Kaur Kalsi, wife of a former Surrey Sikh temple president, the World Sikh Organization of Canada is speaking out.
In a statement released last week, the WSO said "in the wake of the tragic assault on Narinder Kaur Kalsi, the World Sikh Organization of Canada is offering access to a network of psychologists and counsellors who can assist with family dispute resolution issues."

Narinder Kaur Kalsi was taken off life support on Sunday following a domestic dispute that left her in critical condition last week. She was pronounced dead just before 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

 Her husband, Baldev Singh Kalsi, was originally charged with aggravated assault in connection to the incident.

 That charge was later upgraded to attempted murder, and again to murder.

 Baldev Kalsi, 66, was the president of the

 Gurdwara Sahib Brookside but was removed from his position last Thursday.

 Jasbir Kaur Randhawa, WSO vice president of British Columbia, said in the release that "the entire community is shocked by this incident.

 "Violence against women is a serious problem that needs to be addressed by the South Asian community, including Sikhs.

 "Early intervention and role modeling are key to making a difference. The WSO has been involved in several initiatives to put violence against women on the agenda in the community and a lot more work needs to be done."

 WSO President Dr. Amrtpal Singh Shergill echoed the sentiment.

 "Statements and expressions of regret are not enough. We must continue to do more to raise awareness about violence against women and ensure adequate resources and supports exist for our community," he said.

 Baldev Kalsi is scheduled to appear in Surrey Provincial Court on August 6. [email protected] With files from Amy Reid