Amritsar, 06 November 2024– Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami strongly condemned the ban on Amritdhari Sikh employees wearing religious symbols, including the kirpan, while on duty at airports.
According to Advocate Dhami, the recent directive from the Civil Aviation Security Bureau prohibiting Sikh employees from wearing kirpans at airports is discriminatory.
He described the decision as a “push against Sikhs” and a violation of their religious rights.
In response, Dhami wrote a letter to India’s Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, urging him to withdraw the order immediately.
He argued that restricting Sikh employees from wearing their religious symbols within their own country undermines their freedom and disrespects the contributions Sikhs have made for India’s independence.
“This is a significant attack on the religious freedom of Sikh citizens,” Dhami stated.
“The Government of India should remember the sacrifices Sikhs made for the country’s freedom. It is disheartening to see the very community that fought for this nation facing such discrimination on its own soil.”
He added that policies infringing on religious sentiments should be avoided, and governments should uphold respect for the diverse faiths within the nation.
