Should the UAE Reconsider Its Stance on Sikh Religious Symbols?
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Synopsis
Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has called on the Indian government to address the UAE's restrictions on Sikh religious symbols. This appeal highlights the importance of the kirpan and kataar in Sikh faith and the need for religious freedom in the UAE, a call that resonates deeply within the Sikh community.
Key Takeaways
- Harsimrat Kaur Badal urges dialogue with the UAE government.
- The significance of the kirpan in Sikhism is highlighted.
- The advisory has caused distress among Sikh travelers.
- The need for religious freedom in the UAE is emphasized.
- A high-level delegation is being considered for engagement.
Chandigarh, June 7 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal recently urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to engage in discussions with the UAE government to raise awareness about the religious significance of the five 'kakkars', particularly the kirpan and kataar. She emphasized the necessity for Sikhs to practice their faith freely and without hindrance.
In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, the Bathinda MP expressed her concerns following a recent advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in the UAE, which advised Indians against carrying sharp objects while in the country due to Article 405 of the UAE penal law.
Badal stated that this directive has caused significant distress and anxiety among Sikh travelers and residents, pointing out that there have been cases where Sikhs were detained and forced to remove their kirpan and kataar.
She highlighted a recent incident where an elderly man was detained in Abu Dhabi for wearing his kirpan and turban.
In her letter, Badal argued that such occurrences have led to considerable anguish within the Sikh community, as they violate the rights of Sikhs to practice their religion and raise serious concerns regarding the protection of religious freedoms for minorities in the UAE.
"The Sikh community has consistently made positive contributions to societies, including in the UAE, and deserves the freedom to practice its faith according to its beliefs. Denying Sikhs the right to wear their five 'kakkars', especially the kirpan, is an infringement on religious freedom and contradicts the principles of mutual respect and pluralism that India upholds," she stated.
She also urged EAM Jaishankar to consider dispatching a high-level delegation, which should include members from the National Commission for Minorities and the Sriomani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), to engage with UAE officials and relevant international organizations to raise awareness about Sikh articles of faith.
Badal emphasized that the kirpan is a sacred emblem and a core aspect of Sikh identity, mandated by Sikh teachings since the era of Guru Gobind Singh.
"Its significance is both spiritual and symbolic, representing the commitment to uphold justice and defend the oppressed, rather than serving as a tool for aggression or harm. The kirpan is worn at all times by Amritdhari Sikhs as a matter of religious duty and conscience," she concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the importance of preserving religious freedoms for minority communities. The Sikh community's right to practice their faith should be respected and protected, especially in a multicultural society like the UAE. Dialogue between the Indian government and UAE authorities is essential to promote understanding and mutual respect.
NationPress
07/06/2025
