SGPC to send delegation to Delhi over ‘kirpan’ issue

As per directions of Akal Takht, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) will send a delegation to meet Civil Aviation Ministry officials and Union ministers on the issue of Sikh employees being prohibited from wearing Sikh kirpan.

The SGPC has not received any response from the Civil Aviation Ministry regarding its letter seeking withdrawal of the notification.

The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation recently imposed restrictions on Sikh employees wearing kirpans while on duty at all airports in the country, citing security concerns. This has led to widespread condemnation of the government move by Sikh leaders.

Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Friday termed the move as an “attack on Sikhs’ religious rights” and directed the SGPC to send a delegation to Union Government to raise the issue at appropriate levels.

SGPC secretary Partap Singh said when the matter was brought to its light, the committee sent a communiqué to the Centre to revoke the notification issued by the BCAS. He said it was irrational to stop baptised Sikhs from working at the airports. However, they had not got any response till now. Sources in the SGPC said they were likely to send a delegation to meet BJP-led central government to raise the issue.

Meanwhile, SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia has condemned the government order and sought intervention of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Similar orders imposing restrictions on wearing kirpan were issued in March 9, 2022, too. However, those orders were revoked five days later following severe criticism by Sikh community leaders.