NewKerala.com

Key Points

The BJP has strongly condemned Delhi Police for denying entry to a Sikh sarpanch at the Red Fort over his kirpan. The incident sparked outrage as the kirpan is a sacred Sikh article protected by the constitution. The SGPC president called it an "anti-Sikh mentality," while Delhi Police promised an inquiry. The sarpanch was later invited for a personal meeting to address the issue.

Key Points: BJP Protests Sikh Sarpanch Denied Red Fort Entry Over Kirpan

  • BJP demands action against ACP for denying Sikh sarpanch entry
  • Kirpan is constitutionally protected under Article 25
  • Delhi Police vows inquiry, expresses regret
  • SGPC condemns incident as disrespect to Sikh identity
2 min read

BJP slams denial of Sikh sarpanch's entry at Red Fort over 'kirpan'

BJP slams Delhi Police for stopping Sikh sarpanch with kirpan at Red Fort, calls it constitutional violation and insult to Sikh faith.

"Preventing a Sikh from a national event due to kirpan reflects an anti-Sikh mentality – Harjinder Singh Dhami, SGPC"

New Delhi, Aug 18

BJP national spokesperson R.P. Singh on Monday called on Joint Commissioner of Police (Central Range) Madhur Verma here and submitted a formal representation against Assistant Commissioner of Police Shashi Kant Gaur for stopping an “amritdhari” Sikh sarpanch from a village of Punjab at the Red Fort on Independence Day, despite being specially invited to the event.

Singh said the incident amounted to an insult to the Sikh community. Gurdhyan Singh of Kalsana village in Nabha was invited to attend the Independence Day function.

In his representation, Singh highlighted that the sarpanch (village head) was denied entry solely because he was carrying the ‘kirpan’, a sacred article of Sikh faith and constitutionally protected under Article 25. He said this was a violation of constitutional rights, as upheld by the Supreme Court, and amounted to both an insult to the Sikh community and an act of dereliction of duty, bringing disrepute to Delhi Police.

During the meeting, Joint Commissioner of Police Verma placed a video call with the sarpanch, expressed regret over the incident, and confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted into this episode against the officer concerned.

He also invited the sarpanch for a personal meeting, reaffirming goodwill and respect. R.P. Singh welcomed this gesture of responsibility by the Delhi Police leadership while stressing that strict instructions must be issued to prevent recurrence and to fully safeguard the constitutional and religious rights of the Sikh community.

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Sunday condemned the incident, saying the refusal to allow Gurdhyan Singh entry because of his “kirpan” was a reflection of an “anti-Sikh mentality”. He emphasised that preventing a Sikh from participating in a national event due to their religious symbol is an affront to the Sikh community and an act of treating them as outsiders in their own country.

The SGPC president clarified that the “five kakars”, which include the kirpan, are an integral part of Sikh identity and cannot be abandoned. He called for strict action against the officials responsible for this incident to ensure it doesn’t happen again in the future.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I understand security concerns, there must be exceptions for religious symbols. The sarpanch was specially invited! Delhi Police should have made arrangements knowing he's an amritdhari Sikh. Hope the inquiry brings justice.
R
Rohit P
As a Hindu, I stand with my Sikh brothers. This incident hurts our national unity. The five Ks are inseparable from Sikh identity. The officer should be suspended for this ignorance. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
The quick response from police leadership is commendable, but why did this happen in the first place? There should be clear protocols for religious articles at national events. This isn't the first time such issues arise.
K
Kavya N
Some comments here are missing the point - this isn't about politics but about constitutional rights. Article 25 clearly protects religious practices. The Supreme Court has ruled on kirpan before. When will our systems learn? 😔
M
Michael C
As someone from abroad, I'm surprised by this incident. In many countries, religious accommodations are made while maintaining security. India being such a diverse nation should have better systems in place for such situations.
D
Divya L
While I support religious freedom, we must also consider security protocols. Maybe there should be designated officers trained to handle

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50