BALTIMORE, MD, USA—Harpreet Singh, a well respected member of the Baltimore community was handcuffed and arrested by the police for carrying a kirpan.
Kirpan is a religious article of the Sikh faith. It’s a small sword, worn in a sheath on a strap or belt by initiated Sikhs. The word kirpan comes from two words which translate as mercy and bless. The kirpan is supposed to be a weapon of defence only.
“The police put me in handcuffs and drove me down to the precinct for wearing what they call a deadly weapon. They ignored all sentiments towards my religion and treated me as a threat to society,” Harpreet Singh posted on his Facebook account.
Harpreet Singh was in a grocery store when some other customers reported him the police. Singh was handcuffed and arrested by the police, however later released.
“A we live in a multicultural location Baltimore and we don’t know all of our neighbors this is a recipe for disaster shame on us,” he posted. “We give Amish people the opportunity to to practice their religion and not have to pay taxes their community owes the government millions and maybe billions of dollars in unpaid tax dues , the Quakers don’t have to go to war when there is a draft, but the Sikhs knife is too long come on man.”
American Knife and Tool institute website states that there is no ban on possession of any knife in Maryland; however, state law prohibits a person from carrying a “dangerous weapon” concealed on or about the person.
Video captured by Facebook user Rachel Lachow shows Harpreet Singh’s arrest by Baltimore police
No I am talking about Giani
I am a seeker of universe and galaxy probing with the commandments so technically I am a Giani
This person should be put on trial and give maximum punishment . For carrying weapons in public places . US should know and put these extremists behind bar who are threat to whole humanity
Which person the policemen? Yes I agree. Ill-informed policeman roaming around hurting religious sentiments. They know nothing of the history and sacrifice of Sikhs in WW1 and WW2.
Most sensible thing you’ve said.
India should stay away from this matter. Don’t need to give any statement
Sikhs in America don’t need any statements from the Govt of India as they know they are just crocodile tears and mean nothing.
I thought we have come long way by now that every police dept in the country is aware of the five symbols of the Sikhs.But it looks like more work has to be done so that the authorities in charge of the keeping law and order should not make this mistake again.The sad part is these police officials and every one in this country knows what a utility knife is and that thing is lot more damaging than the kirpan but that is legal.