SGPC forms panel to take up ‘kirpan’ issue with Centre

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has formed a panel to take up the issue of restrictions imposed on the on-duty Gursikh employees at airports from supporting “kakaars” (Sikh religious symbols).

This and other matters, including the negative narrative being created against the Sikhs in the Canada ruckus incident, denial of visas to a large number of Sikh pilgrims by Pakistan, were part of the agenda and resolutions were passed during the maiden meeting of the SGPC’s executive body. The meeting was chaired by SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami.

A major controversy has erupted over the ban on wearing “kirpan” by on-duty Gursikh airport staff members by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) through a notification. A panel comprising SGPC’s senior vice-president Raghujit Singh Virk, junior vice-president Baldev Singh Kalyan and others will meet Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

The SGPC executive also passed a resolution condemning the alleged attack on a temple in Brampton, saying it was a planned attempt to tarnish the image of Sikhs.