Youth Akali Dal (YAD) President Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer strongly criticized the Civil Aviation Ministry and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for issuing a directive prohibiting Sikh employees from carrying the Kirpan while on duty.
Kirpan
“The directive issued by the BCAS on October 30, barring Sikh employees from carrying Kirpans on duty, is completely unacceptable and has adversely impacted Sikh employees at airports across the country,” Jhinjer stated.
“I urge the Civil Aviation Ministry and the BCAS to immediately revoke this order, as the Kirpan is one of the five sacred Kakaars bestowed by Guru Gobind Singh Ji and holds profound religious significance for Sikhs.”
Reports indicate that this policy has already led to troubling incidents at various Indian airports, including Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, where baptized Sikh employees have been denied access to terminal areas after security checks, preventing them from performing their duties.
Jhinjer called for an immediate policy review to ensure respectful and consistent treatment of Sikh religious symbols.
Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer
“Freedom to practice one’s faith is a fundamental democratic right,” Jhinjer emphasized. “This directive infringes upon that right for Sikh employees at airports nationwide and exemplifies religious intolerance and discrimination, which have no place in a democracy like India.”
Jhinjer further condemned the directive as part of a broader pattern of actions by the BJP-led Central Government that marginalize Sikhs and their beliefs. “This is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of anti-Sikh sentiment. We have witnessed similar events in the past, and the Sikh community will not stand for such disrespect and infringement on our rights and dignity,” he added.
“The Shiromani Akali Dal has a longstanding commitment to defending Sikh rights, and we will continue this fight,” Jhinjer asserted. “We urge all concerned citizens to support us in this struggle for religious freedom and equality.” 
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