Kirpan would have prevented attack on religious rights of Sikhs: Takht Jathedar

Punjab: The Akal Takht and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have taken strong note of Amritdhari Sikh employees being prevented from wearing the Sikh Kakaar (symbol of faith) Kirpan at airports. Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh has termed it an attack on the religious rights of Sikhs. He said it is reprehensible that Sikh employees on duty at airports are being prevented from wearing the Kakaar in their own country. “Kirpan is one of the religious symbols. By banning its carrying, Sikhs are being deprived of services,” he said. He directed the SGPC to send a delegation to the Civil Aviation Ministry and take steps to revoke the order. SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said a letter has been sent to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in this regard. “We have strongly objected to the ministry for modifying the BCAS orders in view of Sikh sentiments,” he said.