DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Expressing grave concern over growing incidents of disrespect and discrimination against the sacred symbols of Sikh religion, the Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal today urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene directly to put an end to this painful chain of events in the country.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Badal specifically drew Mr Modi's attention to the latest incident of today in which a devout and baptized Sikh girl, Gurpreet Kaur from TarnTaran Sahib district (Punjab) was stopped from entering the examination center as a candidate for the Rajasthan Judicial Services at Poornima University, Jaipur, on the plea that she was wearing her sacred articles of faith ? "Kara" and "Kirpan".

This was a gross violation of her constitutional rights guaranteed under Article 25 of the Statute and it denied her fundamental right to practice her religion. Article 25 of the Constitution specifically mentions "kirpan" among other symbols of Sikh religion which are exempt from any bar even in flights, said Mr Badal.

"It is shocking that rules, if any, are framed by lower authorities flouting the sacred Constitution of India. Government of India should issue - or, if necessary - re-issue clear cut guidelines to all states and Union Territories about the exemption to the inseparable articles of faith," said Mr Badal in his letter to the Prime Minister.

The Akali chief said that this was not a one off incident but part of the ever increasing number of examples of religious intolerance towards the uniqueness of Sikh identity. In a similar incident last year, two Sikh girls were stopped from appearing for Rajsthan Judicial Services (RJS) in an exam center in Jodhpur.

"Sikhs and their identity are inseparable and this was duly acknowledged and constitutionally mandated for compliance for all purposes in the country by the Founding Fathers. But some officials at lower rungs deem themselves even above the Constitution. This must stop as this vitiates communal harmony in the country," wrote Mr Badal in his communication to the PM, adding, "You are personally aware of the profound spiritual and emotional significance of the Sikh religious symbols and what these mean to our devoutly religious and fiercely patriotic community. I request you to issue immediate directions for compliance to ensure full respect to these symbols at all levels across the country."

Badal also urged the Rajasthan High Court to provide the victimized Sikh girl Gurpreet Kaur a special opportunity to appear for the RJS examination, ensuring her right to uphold her faith is respected.

(editor@dailyworld.in)