2 stabbed while at prayer in Sikh temple in Canada: Police

A man is in custody after he stabbed two people at prayer Friday in a Sikh temple in Edmonton, Alberta, according to Canadian police.

The perpetrator also desecrated the Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

The two victims were treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries, said police. The incident occurred at the Nanaskar Gurdwara (temple).

The World Sikh Organization said it is "deeply troubled" by the incident and that it comes at an "alarming time for Sikhs in Alberta."

"Just yesterday, Calgary (Alberta) police confirmed they were investigating threatening calls made to two Sikh gurdwaras in northeast Calgary, including threats directed to the Dashmesh Cultural Centre," it said.

"Earlier this month a Sikh truck driver … was subjected to comments about his religious identity before being physically assaulted at an Edmonton Walmart.

"These incidents are occurring against a backdrop of a documented rise in anti-Sikh hate across Canada," it added.

World Sikh Organization President Danish Singh said authorities had been previously alerted to the increase.

"We have been warning for quite some time that anti-Sikh hate is rising in Canada and that, if it is allowed to continue unchecked, hateful rhetoric can translate into threats and actual violence," he said.

Singh said in light of Friday's incident, gurdwaras in Canada have been issued warnings to strengthen security and remain vigilant.