AMRITSAR: Mr Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee , has strongly condemned the ban on Sikhs wearing Sri Sahib (kirpan) in court complexes or government institutions in Pakistan's as unfortunate and against religious freedom.
Advocate Dhami said that forAmritdhari Sikhs, Sri Sahib is an important part of the five kakars, which is a must for being a Sikh. He said that Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the Tenth Guru, at the time of formation of Khalsa had made it necessary for him to stay in Panj Kakar, which is an important part of living in Khalsa.
SGPC President said that the kirpan was not a knife or a dagger but a symbol of faith for the Sikhs. Therefore, the aforesaid decision of the Peshawar High Court has caused great resentment in the minds of Sikhs.
He said that Sikhs have settled all over the world and now the governments of different countries have allowed Sikhs to wear Sri Sahib at other places including airports.
He said that Pakistan had been a part of India since 1947, so the Sikhs living here were well aware of history and traditions. Advocate Dhami said that governments and courts should respect the sentiments of the Sikh community.
The SGPC President appealed to the Government of Pakistan to resolve the issue immediately and also asked the Government of India to contact the Government of Pakistan to resolve the issue.