When Indian Air Force humiliates Sikh aspirants in Kashmir

Pardeep Singh Bali

What could be more disappointing for a community, who had made great sacrifices during Indian freedom struggle, to get discriminated in their own country only because of their religious identity.

In a recently held examination of Indian Air Force in Kashmir, a good number of Sikh candidates were barred to take exams only because they were wearing kirpan (a ceremonial dagger). The Air Force authorities conducting examination wanted Sikh candidates to take-off Kirpan, to which a section of Sikh students protested and was later on joined by all Sikh candidates.

“We tried to convince them (Air Force Officials) not to allow us if it is somewhere mentioned in the guidelines that not to permit a Sikh  carrying his Kirpan or other religious element with himself,” said one of the aspirants, Harvinder Singh, adding that this is injustice on the part of Air Force. “Instead of acknowledging our pleas, they were adamant and wanted us to take-off Kirpans,” he said.

 Breaching all the laws mentioned in the Constitution of India under Article 15 and 16, which grants Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion and Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. Moreover, they also violated Article 26 and 29 of the Indian constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and protection of interest of minorities, respectively.

The Sikh aspirants have taken it as humiliation and are seeking court intervention into the matter. “We tried to convince them, but their somewhat paradox approach compelled us to move silently out of the examination center. Following us all Sikh aspirants moved out of the examination center expressing their protest,” said Harvinder Singh, adding that we are planning to move our pleas to high court and if needed to Apex court also.

While expressing serious concern over the matter, Assistant professor cum social activist, Sardar Amarjit Singh said that this thing should not be taken casually. “This is shameful on the part of Indian Air Force, who despite knowing very well the significance of Kirpan for a Sikh as their senior officer Marshal Arjun Singh also belongs to the same faith to which they today raised irrelevant objections and compelled Sikh aspirants to take it off. I salute those daring Sikh aspirants who instead of caring about their career, moved out of the examination center with great pride,” he said.

He further said that support of all Sikh academicians and social activists is with the Sikh candidates who are mulling to file PIL in the court in contravention of their fundamental right.

Being in minuscule minority in Kashmir, Sikhs always considered themselves as a part of India, but after such happenings Sikh youth become critical of Indian policies, where basic tenets of Sikhs are not being respected. Despite ideological conflict between Muslims and non-Muslims of Kashmir, when Kashmiri Pandits fled away in the wake of armed insurgency, Sikhs maintained their courage and settled in Kashmir, representing a section of Indians in an anti-India nation.

It is pertinent to mention that following this incident some protests were staged in the Kashmir Valley by the Sikh community, but no media coverage was given to the incident. An introspection is much needed on the part of Indian officials, how to deal with nationalists and anti-nationalists. Things should be sort out, before this protest turns into indignation and alike Muslims of Kashmir, this minority community will also perceive India as a tyrant nation.