Sikh body hails UK decision on ‘kirpan’

Amritsar, May 21 

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The SGPC has welcomed the UK government’s decision on exempting ‘kirpan’ from the list of banned weapons.

Following a rise in the crimes using knives and sharp-edged weapons in England, the UK government had formulated a new law banning these tools to control such incidents.

Now, the UK government has passed an amendment to The Offensive Weapons Bill, following which the British Sikh citizens will be allowed to carry ‘kirpans’ and use it during religious functions.

SGPC chief Gobind Singh Longowal said: “We express our gratitude to the UK government for taking care of the sentiments of the Sikhs. Other countries should also adopt leniency when it comes to the Sikh religious symbols and allow them to carry those to work places and on religious occasions. ‘Kirpan’ is enshrined during the nagar kirtan and performing  gatka is just not possible without it.” — TNS