Sikh tourist's detention in Abu Dhabi: NAPA condemns religious discrimination

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has strongly condemned the discriminatory treatment and religious persecution faced by Dalvinder Singh, an Amritdhari Sikh tourist, during his recent detention in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Related news: Sikh man forced to remove turban, kirpan in Abu Dhabi; kept in custody for 20 days

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Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal issued a statement on Wednesday, stating, “We are deeply disturbed by the systematic violation of religious rights experienced by Dalvinder Singh during his 20-day detention in Abu Dhabi. The forcible removal of his turban, kada and kanga represents not just a violation of individual rights, but an assault on the fundamental tenets of Sikhism that we hold sacred.”

He added, “The treatment described—keeping a religious man bareheaded, denying him vegetarian food despite his dietary restrictions, and subjecting him to mental torture—is completely unacceptable in today’s civilised world. No individual should face such discrimination based on their faith or religious practices.”

In a letter sent to Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, New Delhi, NAPA has called upon the Indian government to formally protest the incident through diplomatic channels and to seek concrete assurances from the authorities in the United Arab Emirates that such violations will not recur. Chahal stated that Dalvinder Singh and his family deserve a formal apology and appropriate compensation for the trauma, humiliation and suffering endured.

Chahal further urged the authorities in the United Arab Emirates to implement comprehensive training programmes for law enforcement and detention facility staff to enhance religious sensitivity, particularly concerning Sikh religious articles and practices.

“We urge the establishment of clear diplomatic protocols between India and the United Arab Emirates to protect the religious rights of Indian citizens, especially religious minorities, while travelling or residing in the United Arab Emirates,” he said.

Chahal also stated that NAPA stands in solidarity with the family and called upon Sikh communities worldwide, human rights organisations and diplomatic missions to raise their voices against this injustice.

“Religious freedom is a fundamental human right that must be protected everywhere,” he said. “We also acknowledge the efforts of the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi for their eventual intervention, though we believe more proactive measures could have prevented this prolonged ordeal.”