Amritsar, Punjab News : Protests have erupted in Punjab over the decision to ban Sikh soldiers from growing beards in the United States. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) member Gurcharan Singh Garewal has described the decision as against Sikh traditions and religious freedom.
Grewal stated that keeping kesh (hair and beard) is mandatory in Sikhism and is a matter of faith. He demanded the US government immediately withdraw this decision, stating that it hurts the religious sentiments of Sikhs worldwide.
He also stated that many countries around the world allow Sikh soldiers to grow beards, and this was not expected from a democratic country like the US. The SGPC will soon take steps to register a formal protest on this issue.
Grewal also appealed to international human rights organizations to speak out against this decision and protect the religious rights of Sikh soldiers.