SGPC Set to Ban 3 Foot Kirpans at Akal Takht Sahib for June 1984 Memorial Events

June 25, 2014

AMRITSAR SAHIB—A number of media outlets have reported that the SGPC President, Avtar Makkar, is considering banning kirpans longer than three feet in length at Akal Takht Sahib. The ban would only be placed on June 6th each year. The decision comes after a public brawl earlier this month at Akal Takht Sahib—caused by outside forces—which has made international headlines.

The kirpan is more than a requirement for Sikhs. In this picture, senior Hindutva leaders are seen holding kirpans bestowed by Akali leaders as a sign of honour.

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee is not authorized to manage the affairs of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, however its president has lately been making decisions for the Sikh community, alongside the presidium of the Five Sikh Jathedars. The trend has continued since the SGPC has consistently appointed Jathedars of Akal Takht Sahib, against the wishes of the Sikh masses.

The decision to outlaw kirpans on June 6 may not work out, as Sikh Sangat would not approve of SGPC limiting the role of shastars for Sikhs on any given day. Although such a move requires approval by the jathedar, the SGPC is capable of implementing it with or without his approval.

In addition to barring three foot kirpans, SGPC is also looking to strengthen its “Task Force”. The task force members are often seen holding wooden staffs at Darbar Sahib complex, however considering the violent incident that took place on June 6th, its members would be well equipped with other forms of traditional arms.

The Akal Takht Sahib is the center of Sikh political affairs and a number of historical arms are always displayed at the shrine—including those over 3 feet. In addition, all Gurdwaras display shastars in front of the throne of Guru Granth Sahib, even at Akal Takht Sahib. The SGPC kirpan ban would require unarming the throne of Guru Granth Sahib, as well as the Jathedar, who caries a ceremonial Talwar at all times and gives a speech at the 1984 ceremony ever year at Akal Takht Sahib.

Sikh civil rights organizations around the world are now concerned that the SGPC decision could undermine kirpan allowances around the world as western governments point to the SGPC decision as justification for kirpan bans in public such as in schools, gurdwaras, places of employment, and public transport.