Govt allows Sikh employees, passengers to carry 'kirpan' at Indian airports
New Delhi, March 14: In a major development, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has modified the order barring Sikh employees from carrying 'kirpan' at Indian airports.
Now, a Sikh passenger can wear a 'kirpan' provided the length of its blade does not exceed 15.24 cms (6 inches) and the total length of the Kirpan does not exceed the limit of 9 inches.
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As per the copy of the order, "the length of the blade of kirpan carried by a Sikh passenger should not exceed 15.24 cms (6 inches); and the total length of a kirpan must not exceed 22.86 cms (9 inches)."
'Kirpan' is allowed while travelling by air on Indian aircraft within India, the bureau of civil aviation security said in a statement.
Recently, a Sikh employee wearing a 'kirpan' was stopped from performing his duty at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar. Several Sikh organisations had objected to this.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami had also written to Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in this regard.
“The Centre should never forget that the Sikhs have remained at the forefront in making sacrifices for the freedom of this country. If the culture of the country survives today, it is because of the Sikhs,” said Harjinder Singh Dhami.
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-PTC News
