 |  |  |  |  |  |
|
|
|
  |  |  |
| ||
| ||
PM urged to take up Denmark-based Sikh student's case 05/17/2005
A socio-academic and cultural organisation here has urged the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the case of Ripudaman Singh, a Sikh student in Denmark, who has been declared guilty of carrying a six-inch kirpan by a local court there. Dr Charan Kamal Singh, chief secretary, Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, in a letter to the Prime Minister and to the Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities, Mr Tarlochan Singh, said such incidents against those from minority communities had become a regular feature in various countries. "There is a need to take a holistic view of the matter and undertake an exercise wherein ambassadors of various countries, whose embassies are situated in India, can discuss such issues," Dr Kamal Singh said. Ripudaman Singh, a Sikh student, pursuing higher studies in Denmark, has reportedly filed a petition seeking the permission of a city court of Copenhagen to file an appeal in the higher court against the judgement which had declared him guilty and fined him for carrying a six-inch kirpan in the second week of this month. A baptised Sikh, he had been moving about in Denmark to educate people about Sikhism. He reportedly himself declared his kirpan to the security at the US Embassy in Copenhagen a year ago. Expressing concern over the rising number of discriminatory incidents in various countries against people from minority communities, the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle emphasised on the need to take quick action in the direction. "His case is unique as it was not the police that caught him for possessing the kirpan, he had himself declared it before the security a year ago," Mr Kamal Singh said. Reports state that Ripudaman was assured by the security that his kirpan would be returned. However, the security called the police which, in turn, charged him with carrying a dagger exceeding the length of 7 cm. Ripudaman Singh contested is case in court but lost. Urging the PM to help Ripudaman, the said that premier Sikh institutions like the Shromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (DSGPC) and leading NGOs, along with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, be involved so as to ensure a action. Note: Comments do not represent the views of SikhNet. Comments containing profanity, provocation or slandar will be removed by the moderators.
 Add SikhNet news to your website
 Become a SikhNet Supporter Make a one time contribution or sign up as a monthly SikhNet donor. History - Donation - Privacy - Help - Registration - Search Copyright © 2007 SikhNet Phone: 505-753-3117 - Email SikhNet Support |
Recent News
