102 yrs on, Sikh crusader still a criminal in Canada: Panel

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, April 6

Canada-based Prof Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation has been making efforts to get the name of Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke removed from the list of criminals in Canada. This was disclosed by foundation’s president Sahib Singh Thind, who met Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh yesterday.

“We have requested the intervention of Jathedar Gurbachan Singh in the case of Lopoke, who was hanged for the welfare of the Sikh community in Canada in 1915. Till date, his name is included in the list of criminals,” he said.

Bhai Mewa Singh had raised his voice over racism against Sikhs in Canada. During the period, government representative Inspector Charles Hopkinson, who was threatening Bhai Mewa Singh to step back, was murdered. In 1915, Bhai Mewa Singh was executed in New Westminster. Thind said: “Though it was a crime as per the Canadian law, Khalsa Diwan Society, Vancouver, and other organisations across British Columbia hold events every year in the memory of Bhai Mewa Singh.”

He expressed his gratitude over declaring the Komagata Maru passengers as “martyrs” by the five high priests 103 years after the incident.

The foundation was instrumental in convincing the Canadian government to accept responsibility and apologise for the tragic mistake that prevented the Komagata Maru passengers from immigrating peacefully and securely.