Sikhs can now carry Kirpans within airports
India Today
Sikh passengers and employees of aviation sector can now carry kirpan within airports. Earlier the employees were prohibited from bringing kirpan inside airports.
The aviation security regulator has permitted Sikh aviation sector employees to carry a kirpan within the airport premises, a document stated.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) order on March 4, banning Sikh aviation sector employees from carrying kirpan on person within any Indian airport premises, was criticised by leading Sikh body Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).
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Subsequently, on March 12, the BCAS removed the ban. Kirpan, a curved dagger, has to be worn next to the body in Sikh religion.
In the March 4 order, the BCAS said, "Kirpan may be carried only by a Sikh passenger, on his person, provided the length of the blade does not exceed six inches and the total length does not exceed nine inches".
Kirpan is allowed while travelling by air on Indian aircraft within India, it noted.
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