Will oppose Canada’s move to ban Sikh symbols: SGPC

Amritsar, Punjab: With Canada’s Quebec province likely to move a resolution, banning Sikh religious symbols in the state, the SGPC and the DSGMC are gearing up to counter the move at all possible levels so as to protect the religious rights of the community in Canada.

Talking to The Tribune, SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said: “Quebec’s 80 per cent population is French. They are following the same policies as have been adopted by France where turban is not allowed in schools.”

The SGPC would take up the issue with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and urge him to utilise diplomatic channels to resolve it, he said, adding they had also asked the Sikh community in Canada to raise the issue at every level.

He said they would also send literature to sensitise the people in Canada about the Sikh religion.

DSGMC president Manjeet Singh GK said they were making efforts to counter the move, legally as well as politically. “We have already got an appointment with the embassies of Canada and France. We will also meet ambassadors of Britain and Italy”.

Former SGPC secretary Manjeet Singh Calcutta said it was a serious issue and there were reports that some European countries were also planning a similar move. He said the Union Government must take initiate measures to resolve the issue.

Source: The Tribune