Photo Credit: Sansad TV
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has urged India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to engage with UAE authorities regarding restrictions on Sikh religious articles of faith, especially the kirpan. The recent enforcement of Article 405 of the UAE Penal Code, which bans carrying sharp objects, has affected the Sikh community’s right to wear the kirpan — a vital symbol of Sikh identity and faith.
In her formal appeal, Harsimrat Kaur Badal highlighted incidents where Sikh individuals, including an elderly man in Abu Dhabi, were detained or asked to remove their kirpans. She emphasized that the kirpan is a sacred symbol representing justice and spirituality, not a weapon. The Bathinda MP requested that the Indian government send a delegation comprising members from the National Commission for Minorities and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) to sensitize UAE officials about the importance of the five articles of faith (Kakaars) in Sikhism.
The Sikh diaspora in the UAE, which numbers over 50,000, has long contributed significantly to the nation’s economy and culture. Sikh organizations such as the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) have condemned the restrictions, calling for protection of religious rights.
This move underscores the growing need to protect religious freedom for Sikh communities abroad. It also aligns with India’s broader diplomatic efforts to ensure that Sikh diaspora members can freely practice their faith internationally, including wearing the kirpan.
