SGPC President raises objection to ban on Kirpans for Sikh airport employees

Amritsar: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president, Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, has condemned a recent directive from India’s Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, which bars Amritdhari Sikh employees from wearing kirpans—a traditional article of faith—while on duty at airports.

In response, Advocate Dhami has addressed a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, calling for an immediate reversal of the directive. He criticized the order as a significant encroachment on Sikh religious freedom, emphasizing that Sikhs have historically made sacrifices for India’s independence.

“This form of discrimination within our own country is an affront to the religious freedoms of Sikh citizens,” Dhami stated. He added that it is disheartening to see Sikhs, who have contributed so much to the nation, face such restrictions.

Dhami urged the government to avoid measures that might hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh community.