Sikh bodies rue Bengaluru ban on 'Kripan'

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) today sought immediate intervention of the Union home minister Rajnath Singh on the issue of ban imposed by the Karnataka government on carrying “Kirpans,” besides other weapons.

In a letter written to the home minister, general secretary of the committee Manjinder Singh Sirsa said it has come to fore that the Karnataka has issued an order banning acquisition, possession and carrying of arms without license in public places under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru city. “The banning weapons list includes Kirpan which is a religious symbol of the Sikhism and it is inseparable article of faith for the Sikhs and must be worn at all the time as per Sikh code of conduct,” he said.

He further said that as per the Constitution of India under the Article 25, Sikhs have been granted exemption to carry kirpan (article of Sikh faith) under freedom of practice of religion. It is against the Right to Freedom of Practice of Religion as well, he said. Sirsa also brought to the notice of Home Minister that in an earlier incident at the Bengaluru airport, Sikh passengers were forcefully deboarded from the flight due to the Kirpan he wore as a article of faith. This, despite the fact Sikh passengers traveling in domestic flight in India are allowed to carry the kirpan with size 6 inch blade and 3 inch handle on board under Civil Aviation Rules.