Family and friends are mourning Manbir 91ƵMani91Ƶ Amar, who died after a dispute with a Surrey-area neighbour on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 31).
91ƵMani was a devoted father, brother, son and friend 91Ƶ a talented individual who devoted his life to activism and the arts,91Ƶ his brother, Gurbinder Amar, said in a statement released by Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on Friday (Sept. 2).
91ƵThrough poetry, prose, philosophy, painting, photography and filmmaking, Mani touched the lives of many individuals. He will be deeply missed.91Ƶ
IHIT says between two men , just before 2 p.m. Aug. 31.
A man was arrested on scene. 91ƵAt this time, no charges have been laid and the man has been released from custody as the investigation continues,91Ƶ the investigation team said Friday.
BREAKING: Surrey filmmaker/activist Mani Amar is the man killed in Newton yesterday, in a neighbourhood dispute. He won awards for his work, and once sought an actress to play Surrey murder victim Maple Batalia in a film he wanted to make.
91Ƶ Tom Zillich (@TomZillich)
STORY:
On social media, Amar91Ƶs friends and work colleagues reacted to his death with sadness.
91ƵMani was instrumental in working with vulnerable youth to steer them away from gang life,91Ƶ tweeted . 91ƵI consulted with him many times relating to our mentorship program. What a tremendous loss!91Ƶ
and followed it up with a fictional film about the same subject. The former Port Alberni resident won awards for his work, which included another documentary about drug-addicted people who live on Vancouver91Ƶs Downtown Eastside.
Five years ago, in 2017, , a dramatization of the final hours of her life, but it91Ƶs not clear if the movie was ever made.
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On the Now-Leader91Ƶs Facebook post, dozens of people commented about Amar and his work in the community.
91ƵMani was a genuinely kind, generous, and giving soul,91Ƶ posted Jim Minhas. 91ƵHe was a full time dedicated father to his three young children and helped care for his mother whom lived with them. This is devastating news. He worked and volunteered to help the less fortunate and those who needed it. Will miss you brother91ƵRIP.91Ƶ
Added Raj Bassi: 91ƵReally saddened at news about his death. This guy tried his best to keep kids out of gangs and trouble and actually cared about the community. RIP and condolences to his family and friends.91Ƶ
Another reader, Julie Hamilton, said Amar will be missed by many. 91ƵMani was a kind, gentle, wonderful person. So shocking that a argument between neighbours could lead to this. Cannot believe.91Ƶ
IHIT won91Ƶt say if a weapon was used in the incident that led to Amar91Ƶs death, but Pierotti said no firearm was involved. 91ƵTragically this situation escalated to a point where a life was taken,91Ƶ he said Thursday.
Investigtors ask any witnesses to contact the IHIT Information Line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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