Kirpan curbs attack on Sikhs’ religious rights: Takht Jathedar
Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have taken a strict notice of prohibiting Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh employees from wearing Sikh “kakaar” (symbols of faith) “kirpan” at airports.
Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh termed it as an “attack on Sikhs’ religious rights”. He said it was condemnable that Sikh employees performing duty at airports were restricted from supporting the kakaar in their own country.
“Kirpan is one of the religious symbols. Putting restrictions on carrying it appeared to deprive Sikhs from services,” he said.
He directed the SGPC to send a delegation to the Civil Aviation Ministry and initiate steps to revoke the orders.
SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said a letter had been sent to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in that regard. “We have expressed strong objection to the ministry to revise the BCAS orders in the wake of Sikh sentiments,” he said.
