Chandigarh, November 11, 2024: Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhawan has condemned the Central Government’s ban on Amritdhari Sikh airport employees wearing the Kirpan, calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention to resolve the issue.
In a press statement, Sandhawan criticized the decision, labeling it as anti-Sikh and demanding its immediate reversal.
He urged the Central Civil Aviation Department to reconsider and withdraw the ban, stating that such restrictions violate the religious freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
Sandhawan mentioned the Sikh community’s deep-rooted faith and commitment to hard work, noting that India’s diversity includes a mix of various religions and cultures.
He argued that banning religious symbols like the Kirpan infringes on the rights of citizens to practice their faith openly.
Reflecting on the Sikh community’s historical contributions, Sandhawan pointed out their sacrifices during the country’s freedom struggle, questioning why the current leadership would restrict their religious expression.
He termed the move as an unjust interference in Sikh religious affairs and called on the central government to avoid such actions.
The Speaker reiterated his demand for an immediate withdrawal of the decision, allowing Amritdhari Sikhs at airports to wear their traditional Kirpan, respecting their religious beliefs.
