New Zealand’s first Sikh MP has called for new legislation to enable Sikhs to wear ceremonial daggers freely in the country, saying they are “sensible” people who would not use the ‘kirpan’ inappropriately. Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi’s statement comes merely three days after seven Sikhs were barred from entering the ground to watch the India vs Zimbabwe Cricket World Cup match.
Bakshi said there needs to be legislation around ceremonial daggers so it is clear they are not weapons and are safe to be worn, The Dominion Post reported. The biggest issue for Sikhs is being able to wear a kirpan — a short dagger that symbolises a Sikh’s duty to come to the defence of those in need — at their workplace and at public events, he said. “Kirpans have sometimes become controversial but I haven’t seen any Sikh using a kirpan for any harm of anyone else,” he said.
“Every baptised Sikh is supposed to have five articles of faith to obey everyday and the kirpan is one of those. It’s traditionally 3 feet long and held by religious leaders but baptised Sikhs can wear a smaller version and we wear it under our clothing, not exposed to anyone.” Bakshi said carrying a kirpan at all times is a big deal to Sikhs and sometimes there’s a compromise when it comes to flying.