SGPC urges Civil Aviation ministry to withdraw notification barring Sikh employees from wearing Kirpan at Indian airports

SGPC President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has termed the notification of the government as an attack on Sikh rights, in which, Sikh employees are barred from wearing Kirpan, one of the five Kakaars (symbols of faith).

Amritsar: The premier body of the Sikhs, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) condemned the recent notification by the Ministry of Civil Aviation barring Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh employees who wear their Kakaar (Kirpan) from performing duty at the Indian airports.

President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has termed the notification of the government as an attack on Sikh rights, in which, Sikh employees are barred from wearing Kirpan, one of the five Kakaars (symbols of faith).

While taking further the issue to the government of India, Advocate Dhami has written a letter to the Union minister of civil aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, urging immediate withdrawal of this order issued on March 4, 2022.

"In their own country, this discrimination is a major attack on the religious freedom of the citizen Sikhs, which will never be allowed to be implemented. The government of India should never forget that the Sikhs have remained at the forefront in making sacrifices for the freedom of this country and if the culture of the country survives today it is because of the Sikhs", said Advocate Dhami.

SGPC President said that it is unfortunate that in their own country excesses are being committed against the Sikhs, who die for the country. "The governments should refrain from adopting such policies which hurts the religious sentiments of the Sikhs", said Advocate Dhami.

Meanwhile, SGPC President also expressed deep concern about growing discrimination against Sikhs in the United States of America (USA).

"Sikhs have made a great contribution in the development of many countries across the world including the USA. Sikhs have made their mark through their hard work and with their intelligence, many Sikhs are serving at top positions across the world", said SGPC President.

He said the Sikhs worldwide have rendered great humanitarian services in times of crisis without any discrimination. "But sadly, even in a country like the USA, incidents of religious discrimination and hatred against the Sikh community are on the rise", Dhami added.

SGPC President appealed to the Union Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India to ensure the safety of Sikhs abroad.