Sikhs urge Manmohan Singh to raise turban issue with Sarkozy

New Delhi, Jan 22 : Ahead of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's visit to the country, Sikhs on Tuesday staged protest against a French secularity law banning turbans in public schools and other work places in that country and urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to raise the matter with the former.

"We are appealing to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to request French President Nicolas Sarkozy to request him to lift the ban on this law in his country or else face opposition to the move," said Akali Dal president Paramjeet Singh.

The protesters shouted anti-France slogans and requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the matter with France.

Paramjeet led the group who were protesting against the French law.

Nicolas Sarkozy, who is scheduled to arrive on Friday, will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.

Sikh community in France has been recently caught up in legal duels with the French Government on turban issue.

Opponents of the ban question the French Government's interpretation of secular beliefs on its nationals undermining the neutrality of the state on issues concerning personal beliefs.

ANI