Babushahi.com

Photo source: ANI

Booking initiated Sikh in Italy for wearing Kirpan violates religious freedom of Sikhs: SGPC president

Babushahi Agency

Amritsar, April 21, 2024: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami has strongly condemned the action of booking a Sikh initiate Gurbachan Singh for carrying Kirpan (sword) in Milan city in Italy in the recent past.

Harjinder Singh Dhami said that the Kirpan is one of the five Kakaars (symbols of faith) of Sikhs, which according to the Sikh code of conduct, an Amritdhari (initiate) Sikh always keeps on his body.

He said that separating the Kirpan from the body of an initiated Sikh violates the religious freedom of Sikhs.

The SGPC president said the constitution of their country India also gives freedom to Sikhs to wear Kirpan. Therefore, the Italian government should also take into account the concerns of the Sikhs and give the freedom to Sikhs to wear Kirpan in their country.

He said that today Sikhs live in many countries of the world where they have achieved great achievements with their hard work and honesty.

He said that even in developed countries like the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom, Sikhs are allowed to wear Kirpan. He also appealed to the Sikh community of Italy to strongly oppose the case registered against Gurbachan Singh and forward all information regarding his case to the SGPC.

Harjinder Singh Dhami said that in order to get this case cancelled, the Ambassador of Italy to India and the Ministry of External Affairs of India will also be written to express strong objections and information about the rights of Sikhs and the importance of Kirpan will be sent. .

He also appealed to Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to get Gurbachan Singh’s case canceled by negotiating with the Italian government.