SGPC, Akali wing oppose UT helmet rule for Sikh women

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, July 12

The Chandigarh Administration’s decision to make helmet mandatory for women riding two-wheelers has not gone down well with the women wing of the SGPC and the SAD, which have sought intervention of Akal Takht on this issue.

Considering it breach of Sikh code of conduct, the women party members from Punjab, Haryana and Delhi held a meeting here on Thursday. It was presided over by SAD women wing president Bibi Jagir Kaur.

They submitted a memorandum to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh. A delegation will meet the Punjab Governor, before moving the court.

As per a notification by the Chandigarh administration, women riding two-wheelers, with an exception for Sikh women sporting a turban, will now have to wear helmets.

Bibi Jagir Kaur said wearing any kind of headgear was strictly prohibited under the Sikh principles. She, however, said Sikh women who wanted to wear helmets for safety reasons could do so by their choice.

“We will not force anyone to support our cause. Sikhs are committed to die for the sake of rehat maryada. It is not that the helmet only can save life in case of an accident. History speaks that our gurus and warriors never wore any kind of hood even in wars during the British era,” she said.

SGPC member Kiranjot Kaur viewed that there should not be any legal binding, if religious sentiments were hurt.

‘Against maryada’ 

We will not force anyone to support our cause. Sikhs are committed to die for the sake of rehat maryada. It is not that the helmet only can save life in case of an accident. History speaks that our gurus and warriors never wore any kind of hood even in wars during the British era. —Bibi Jagir Kaur