LEICESTER, UK—Leicester Mercury newspaper has removed the objectionable article which deeply upset the Sikh community. The article showed an 11 year old boy whose long hair was being cut for charity. Uncut hair (kesh) are a religious requirement for the Sikhs. Kesh represent a commitment to God’s will to all Sikhs.
The article in Leicester Mercury was compounded by an image showing the young boy’s hair being cut, which deeply hurt the sentiments of the Sikhs. However, due to objections by the community, the newspaper removed the article from it’s online edition immediately.
Leicestershire Sikh Alliance stated, “We have been in touch with Kevin Booth, the Editor of the Leicester Mercury, who was very sympathetic to the community’s concerns and agreed to have the article removed asap.”
“It must be noted that the Leicester Mercury was attempting to give some exposure to what they thought was a positive, well-intentioned story; and very unintentionally ended up causing offence.”
The 11 year old boy had his kesh cut to raise funds for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital (BCH), where he stayed for the a year receiving treatment.
