A fresh controversy has erupted in Punjab following a recent directive by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) which bans Sikh employees at Indian airports from wearing the kirpan due to security concerns. Issued on October 30, this order has raised significant protests, with prominent religious and political figures condemning it as a violation of religious freedom.

The directive, which was communicated to airport staff just a day prior, has ignited widespread outrage. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), known as Sikhs’ mini parliament, on Wednesday condemned the directives barring Amritdhari Sikh employees from wearing religious symbols, including the kirpan, while on duty at airports.

SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami called the move discriminatory, stating that it infringes on religious rights and undermines Sikh contributions to India’s independence. He described the decision as a “push against Sikhs” and a violation of their religious rights.

In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, he urged the Government to revoke the order immediately, asserting that such policies disrespect the Sikh community and its sacrifices. Dhami emphasized the importance of respecting religious freedom in India’s diverse society.

“The Government of India should remember the sacrifices Sikhs made for the country’s freedom. It is disheartening to see the very community that fought for this nation facing such discrimination on its own soil,” he said, adding that policies infringing on religious sentiments should be avoided, and governments should uphold respect for the diverse faiths within the nation.

Takht Sri Damdama Sahib jathedar (high priest) Giani Harpreet Singh also voiced his strong opposition to the order, stating that the kirpan is a sacred symbol in Sikhism, representing both spiritual and physical readiness.

He argued that forbidding Sikh employees from wearing it while on duty violates their constitutional rights to practice their faith. He further emphasized that such decisions had previously caused distress within the Sikh community, and he called for a more respectful handling of religious symbols.

The controversy is not just confined to religious circles. Youth Akali Dal (YAD) president Sarabjeet Singh Jhinjer has also criticized the BCAS order, describing it as an attack on Sikh identity and an infringement on the religious freedoms guaranteed under India’s Constitution.

Jhinjer urged both the Civil Aviation Ministry and the BCAS to revoke the directive, asserting that the kirpan is one of the five articles of faith (the ‘Five Ks’) central to Sikhism, and banning it would only perpetuate religious discrimination.

This is not the first time that Sikh religious symbols have been at the center of airport-related controversies. In 2022, the Ministry of Civil Aviation issued a similar order prohibiting Sikh employees from carrying kirpans at airports. After facing backlash, including from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the Ministry had to retract its decision.

Historical incidents further highlighted the sensitivity of this issue. In 2017, farmer leaders traveling through Delhi Airport were stopped from boarding their flight due to their kirpans, with security citing safety concerns. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, sparking protests from the Sikh community, which claimed that such restrictions are rooted in a broader pattern of intolerance.

Religious groups, along with political and social organizations, are also questioning the need for such directives. The Amritsar Vikas Manch and Fly Amritsar Initiative have stressed that while security is paramount, it must not come at the cost of religious freedom. They argued that any policy should strike a balance between safety concerns and the rights of individuals to freely practice their religion.

In line with current regulations, Sikh passengers are allowed to carry kirpans on domestic flights within India, provided that the length of the kirpan does not exceed 23 cm (nine inches) and the blade is no longer than 15 cm (six inches). However, the new order barring Sikh employees from wearing the kirpan, while on duty, has only fueled further debate.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Sikh community and its supporters are demanding that the government and aviation authorities rethink their stance, respecting both security protocols and religious freedoms.