DGPC Jammu along with DGPC Samba, Reasi, Kathua and various other Sikh organizations took strong exception to the attitude of the Police and other Civil authorities for not allowing aspirants of Sikh Community to appear in the exams for Constables in the Border Battalion with their ‘Karas’ in Centre Basic School, Purani Mandi, Jammu, Daily Excelsior reported.
As per the report,in a conference held in Jammu on Thursday Ranjeet Singh Tohra, president DGPC Jammu and Balvinder Singh, vice president DGPC while narrating the whole episode said it appears to be pre-planned attack on the religious freedom of Sikh community enshrined in Article 25 of the Constitution otherwise how it is possible that despite being the constitutional guarantee, granted under the Constitution for carrying Kirpan and wearing of Kara Amritdhari Sikh aspirants appearing for examination of Constable in Border battalion at Centre Basic School, Purani Mandi, Jammu were asked to remove their articles of faith put them in a box placed there before entering the examination centre.
They also referred to Delhi High Court case of DSGMC and Ors vs Union of India wherein it is clearly stated that there is no law which bans the entry of Kakars or Kirpans or such objects or articles of faith. Every practising Sikh is to wear the Kara and carry the “Kirpan”.
All present there were of the view that this Act of negligence and blatant violation of constitutional provisions is highly condemnable and requires a probe in the matter and those found responsible for this act must be given due punishment as per the prevalent law of the land. All DGPC’s of Jammu demanded immediate registration of an FIR against the erring officials responsible for this. Otherwise, Sikhs shall be compelled to launch a massive agitation against this unconstitutional act and fight for their religious freedom and legitimate right. They will not desist from taking judicial course if Administration failed to take action.
Other prominent persons who were present there included Kulvir Singh- president DGPC Samba, Deedar Singh- president DGPC Reasi, Surjit Singh- secretary DGPC Jammu, Gurmail Singh vice president DGPC Samba, Jagpal Singh- cashier DGPC Jammu, Ranvir Singh joint secy DGPC Jammu, Gurmeet Singh- Incharge Dharam Prachar Committee, Jammu.