Shameful attempt: Akali Dal slams kirpan restrictions for Sikh airport employees

Youth Akali Dal President condemned the directive as another 'shameful attempt' by the BJP-led Central government to 'undermine Sikhs and their beliefs'.

In Short

• New directive bans kirpans for Sikh employees at airports
• Akalidal says kirpan holds immense religious significance
• Calls it 'discriminatory policy', urges revocation

The Youth Wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal on Wednesday criticised the Civil Aviation Ministry for its recent directive prohibiting Sikh employees from carrying kirpans while on duty, calling it an "unacceptable" move.

Youth Akali Dal President Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer stated, "The recent directive by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), dated 30th October, barring Sikh employees from carrying kirpans on duty, is completely unacceptable and affects Sikh employees at airports nationwide".

He urged the Civil Aviation Ministry and BCAS to revoke the order immediately, stating, “The kirpan holds immense religious significance for us as one of the five Kakaars bestowed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji".

This directive has already led to disturbing incidents at Indian airports, including the Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, where baptised Sikh employees have been barred from entering terminal areas after security screenings, hindering their ability to perform their duties. Jhinjer called for a review of these policies to ensure fair treatment of Sikh religious symbols.

"Practising one’s faith is a democratic right for all individuals, and this move clearly infringes on the rights of Sikh workers at airports nationwide," Jhinjer emphasised. He added, "This is a stark example of religious intolerance and discrimination, which has no place in a democratic country like India".

He condemned the directive as another “shameful attempt” by the BJP-led Central government to "undermine Sikhs and their beliefs".

"This is not an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of anti-Sikh sentiment and hate speech perpetuated by the BJP. We have witnessed similar incidents in the past. The Sikh community will not tolerate such blatant disregard for our rights and dignity," he added.

Calling it a discriminatory policy, Jhinjer further asserted that the Shiromani Akali Dal has always defended Sikh rights and will continue to do so, urging people to “join us in this struggle for religious freedom and equality".