Australia bans ban on 'Kirpan' in schools, demands immediate reversal of decision

- A decision was taken by a Sikh student in Sydney to defend himself

New delhi date. May 20, 2021, Thursday

Kirpan has been banned from government schools in New South Wales, Australia's largest state. Akal Takht has expressed displeasure over this and asked the Australian government to reverse the decision. The Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) has written a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs and the High Commissioner of India to Australia regarding the ban on kirpan.

The letter called for immediate intervention in the matter as it is an issue linked to the religious sentiments of Sikhs. The ban on not wearing kirpan in schools is taking effect from today. In fact, the ban comes after a tragedy at a school in Sydney. A 14-year-old Sikh student was threatened and abused by some students at the school. In response, the Sikh student used a kirpan in defense and injured one student.

The government's decision is completely immature

The Akal Takht has declared the ban unnecessary. The Australian government has been sharply criticized for failing to hold community talks before imposing such a ban. "The decision of Australian Education Minister Sarah Mitchell is completely immature," said Harpreet Singh, a Akal Takht quantum expert. He also called on Sikh organizations to unite to fight for the recognition of Sikh symbols. He also demanded that the government review the decision which hurt the sentiments of Sikhs.

Don't risk the sanctity of Sikhs with one incident: SGPC president

SGPC president BB Jagir Kaur said the sanctity of the community could not be at stake on the basis of an incident. Kirpan is very sacred to the Sikh community. It can never be compared to a knife or a dagger. The education minister had no discussions with Sikh community leaders other than holding an online meeting with Sikh members. Soon after, the ban on kirpan was imposed. He urged the Australian Government to reverse the decision as soon as possible.