Wellington: New Zealand parliament’s first Sikh MP has called for legislation to allow carrying of the kirpan — a Sikh ceremonial dagger — while traveling in planes.
National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Mar. 17 said the legislation should make clear that the kirpan — a short dagger that symbolizes a Sikh’s duty to come to the defense of those in need — is not a weapon and is safe to be worn.
Bakshi said the biggest issue for Sikhs is being able to wear a kirpan at their workplace and at public events, The Dominion Post reported.
He said carrying a kirpan at all times is a big deal for Sikhs and sometimes there is a compromise when it comes to flying.
“Some people are very strict at following the rules and don’t fly — in India they’ll travel by road; they won’t fly. There are people who will wear a symbolic one, a smaller version, which is allowed on airplanes,” he said.
Bakshi said Sikhs are “sensible” people who would not use a kirpan inappropriately.
The New Zealand government is considering exempting kirpans from civil aviation rules, allowing these to be carried onboard planes rather than stowed away with luggage.
19/03/15 IANS/India West
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National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi Mar. 17 said the legislation should make clear that the kirpan — a short dagger that symbolizes a Sikh’s duty to come to the defense of those in need — is not a weapon and is safe to be worn.
Bakshi said the biggest issue for Sikhs is being able to wear a kirpan at their workplace and at public events, The Dominion Post reported.
He said carrying a kirpan at all times is a big deal for Sikhs and sometimes there is a compromise when it comes to flying.
“Some people are very strict at following the rules and don’t fly — in India they’ll travel by road; they won’t fly. There are people who will wear a symbolic one, a smaller version, which is allowed on airplanes,” he said.
Bakshi said Sikhs are “sensible” people who would not use a kirpan inappropriately.
The New Zealand government is considering exempting kirpans from civil aviation rules, allowing these to be carried onboard planes rather than stowed away with luggage.
19/03/15 IANS/India West
