Tribune News Service
Amritsar, December 24
The SGPC has condemned the restrictions on Sikhs sporting ‘Siri Sahib’ (kirpan, a religious symbol) in government institutions, court complex and public places in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Terming it unfortunate and against religious freedom, SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami said for baptised Sikhs, it was mandatory to wearing ‘Siri Sahib’ and it should not be mistaken for a dagger or knife. On a petition filed in 2020 on behalf of the Sikh community of Peshawar, the Peshawar High Court had issued orders on December 22 that possession of sword could be allowed along with a licence under the 2012 arms policy only. The court also ordered issuance of licence for kirpan.
“The decision of the Peshawar High Court has caused disappointment in the mind of the Sikhs. The kirpan is the fifth of the five pillars (kakaar) of Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh, at the time of formation of Khalsa, had given it to the Sikh community. Sikhs living in other parts of the globe were permitted by various governments to carry the religious symbols at all public places, including airports,” he said.
He said Pakistan had been part of India since 1947, so the Sikhs living there and the authorities were well aware of the history and traditions of Sikhism. He urged to the governments of Pakistan and India to resolve the issue while respecting the sentiments of the community.
SGPC flays curb on 'kirpan' in Pakistan
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