Amritsar, Aug 18 — Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami on Sunday criticised the authorities for preventing an Amritdhari Sikh from entering the Red Fort on Independence Day because he was wearing a kirpan.
Dhami said that Sarpanch Gurdhian Singh of Nabha, who had been extended a special invitation for the August 15 ceremony, was stopped at the gate despite his official pass. “What kind of Independence Day is this, where citizens are prevented from observing their religious traditions?” Dhami asked.
According to the SGPC chief, the denial of entry amounted to discrimination against Sikhs, who, he noted, had made immense sacrifices for the freedom of the country. “Despite our contributions, Sikhs are being deprived of their constitutional rights simply because of our religious symbols,” he said.
He stressed that the kirpan, along with the other four Kakars, was an inseparable part of Sikh identity and protected under constitutional guarantees. “The incident raises serious concerns about the insensitivity of officials toward Sikh faith and traditions,” Dhami added.
The SGPC said it would take up the matter with the concerned authorities to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the future.
