Sikh Americans win 'kirpan' case

WASHINGTON: Sikh Americans here are jubilant over the dismissal of a case in which a Sikh was arrested for wearing a 'kirpan', a sacred dagger that is an article of faith.

But the community feels it still has a long way to go in terms of attaining religious freedom.

Sada Sat Simran Singh Khalsa was arrested on July 18 by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority in the baggage claim area of Dulles Airport, where he had gone to receive some friends.

He was charged with misdemeanour for wearing the kirpan at the airport.

The Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) worked diligently with the local Sikh community, Khalsa's attorney and some others to educate the authorities about the Sikh articles of faith.

And finally this month the case was dismissed by the Commonwealth Attorneys' Office.

In the deal agreed to by both parties, the kirpan was returned to Khalsa, he did not have to accept guilt and after six months the case would be expunged from his record, and he agreed not to wear his kirpan inside the airport.

Sher Singh, director of community relations of SCORE, said: "Our stand for religious freedom has been upheld in this case."

Sher Singh himself was the first person to be arrested immediately after the 9/11 attack and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon -- his kirpan. Later that case was dropped as well.

Sher Singh contacted Virginia legislators seeking their support and coordinated the various aspects of this case.

He further added, "While we have every right to be grateful, the fact of the matter is that religious freedom for Sikhs has not yet been achieved in this country."

"Vigilance is assuredly part of our self-protection, but the individuals who are responsible for administering our anti-terrorism policies must be properly trained. As Sikhs who are loyal citizens of the U.S., we have a right to be treated fairly, and not be victimised because we look different, speak a different language, and practise a different religious tradition than the majority of our fellow citizens," Sher Singh said.

Sikhs have accepted an offer to provide diversity training about Sikhism to local law enforcement agencies.

Rajwant Singh, national chairman of SCORE, said, "The quashing of the charges is a step in the right direction but we still have a long way to go."

Founded in 1998, SCORE's mission is to present the Sikh perspective in public forums, interfaith discussions and throughout government agencies to promote community understanding and a just society for all.

(IANS)