a day ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Sikh sarpanch denied entry to Red Fort on Independence Day over kirpan
Chandigarh, August 17 (UNI) A Sikh sarpanch from Nabha block in Punjab, invited to Delhi for the Independence Day celebrations, was denied entry to the Red Fort on August 15 for carrying a kirpan, a ceremonial dagger integral to the Sikh faith.
Gurdyan Singh, an Amritdhari Sikh and sarpanch of Kalsana village, was among those honoured by the Jal Shakti Ministry for exemplary work in sanitation, including setting up solid and water treatment plants and public sanitation facilities in his village.
Despite being invited as a VIP to witness the Independence Day parade, Singh was stopped at Gate 5 of the Red Fort by security personnel who cited restrictions on carrying the kirpan.
Singh explained the religious significance of the kirpan, one of the five Sikh articles of faith (Kakars), but was told he could leave it outside and retrieve it later. Stating that his religion does not permit removing the kirpan, Singh chose not to enter. Instead, he briefly watched the parade from the general gallery with the public.
Singh arrived in Delhi on August 13. On the day of the event, he reached the Red Fort metro station by 5 a.m. to avoid delays, but his efforts were met with refusal from security officials. UNI NB SSP
