Punjab police ban kirpan at Sri Harmandir Sahib

In a week commemorating the 36th anniversary of the Sikh genocide of 1984, which included an attack on Sri Harmandir Sahib at Amritsar, Punjab police have attempted to ban Sikhs from entering the complex with a kirpan (sacred sword).

A kirpan is one of the Panj Kakaar or 5K’s – five essential articles of faith that every practicing Sikh is commanded to keep on their person at all times. The commandment was given to the Sikhs by the 10th Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji at the creation of the Khalsa (the initiated Sikh order) in 1699.

The police are committing a violation of international human rights and freedom of religious expression by restricting access to the holiest shrine to Sikhs for simply adhering to their faith.

The Punjab police force have also tightened security around the complex and restricted access into the central Gurdwara. A police spokesperson said that they took the measure due to clashes between SGPC workers and pro-Khalistan activists in the Golden Temple in previous years, as well as to ensure social distancing in view of the Covid pandemic.

Sikh authorities at Sri Harmandir Sahib have not yet made a statement on the issue.

The Sikh Press Association will be monitoring the situation and providing updates in due course.