Sikh News

SGPC’s U-turn on Kirpan issue: Ban not on carrying but on brandishing the swords

By Sikh Siyasat Bureau

June 25, 2014

Moga, Punjab (June 25, 2014): A day after SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar declared “ban” on carrying three-feet or long sword in the premises of Shri Darbar Sahib Amritsar on anniversary day of Ghallughara June 1984 every year, the SGPC took U-turn on Wednesday (June 25, 2014).

Eating its word, SGPC “clearfied” that the ban was not on carrying the Kirpan but on brandishing it.

The SGPC faced wrath of Sikh Sangat following its decision on sword and various Sikh organization opposed the decision. Even many SGPC members opposed to the SGPC’s controversial move.

A spokesman of SGPC informed media persons that the SGPC had imposed “ban” on brandishing the swords on June 6 every year. SGPC additional secretary Diljit Singh Bedi, in a press news note released by SGPC, is quoted saying that the president SGPC Avtar Singh Makkar had not imposed ban on the carrying of three-feet Kirpan at Shri Akal Takhat but ban was imposed on brandishing the sword at Shri Akal Takhat.

“Everyone should maintain Maryada of Shri Akal Takhat and Sikhs should follow the Sikh code of conduct while going at Shri Akal Takhat”, the press note quoted Bedi.