Chandigarh: In a move that has sparked controversy of hurting sikh sentiments, now Sikh temporal body SGPC has come forward and expressed strong disapproval. In Chandigarh, Sikh candidates were allegedly asked to remove ‘Kara’ (metal bracelet or bangle). Kara carries religious significance among Sikhs and now SGPC has condemned the incident.
A CBSE recruitment exam was held here at the centre set up at KB DAV School, Sector 7, Chandigarh. The exam was held for the recruitment of Assistant Secretary (Administration) of CBSE. it is alleged that Sikh candidates were asked to remove Karas before entering the examination center.
Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, strongly condemned the act and asked the Deputy Commissioner of Chandigarh to take strict action against the officials who hurt the religious sentiments of Sikhs.
Advocate Dhami said that the candidates who appeared for this examination were asked to remove Kara before entering the center. He termed it as a violation of the right to religious freedom.
He added that the Kara is important part of the five kakaras or Five Ks of the Sikhs and forcing it to be removed has hurt Sikh sentiments. He said that the government is not serious about the religious concerns and beliefs of all religions, especially the Sikhs, during the competitive examinations.
Advocate Dhami asked the governments and competitive examination agencies, commissions, and boards to curb such phenomenon by adopting a serious approach towards Sikhs. He said that instructions have been given to the officials of the Shiromani Committee to get the entire information about this matter related to Chandigarh and appropriate action will be taken after receiving the report.