Tension At Sikh Temple Near Modesto Eases, Armed Security No Longer Needed
HUGHSON (CBS13) — Armed guards hired to protect a Sikh temple from several of its own members are called off, and it looks like there's a peaceful conclusion.
The dispute was between the old committee and the takeover committee over use of the temple's money and bylaws. It reportedly got so heated that there were fist fights in the committee meeting and even shouting matches during worship.
The new committee had hired a private security firm for Sunday's services, but on Wednesday, the Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple's head priest says there is no longer a need for armed security.
"All members came and we very peacefully make compromise," Giani Manjit Singh said. "Everything is under control. Everything is good."
Temple leadership says it's confident both sides will get along and worship peacefully together on Sunday.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office did get involved in a Sept. 7 committee meeting that turned physical, but no one was arrested.
