Protest over non-entry of 'Amritdhari' Sikh students in exam hall

Ambala, May 1: Sikh students and Akali leaders today protested against Haryana Staff Selection Commission representatives for not allowing two 'Amritdhari' students to sit for an examination carrying 'kirpan' (small knife) and sporting 'kara' (steel bangle).

The Commission representatives stopped Karamvir Singh and Sukhvinder Singh from entering a Polytechnic institution here for the patwaris entrance examination, police said. They objected to the students carrying 'kirpan' and 'kara' inside the examination hall following which there was an altercation between the two sides.

The Sikh candidates tried to convince the representatives by saying that they have to put on five symbols of Sikhism including kirpan, kara, kangha, kesh and kacchera, but in vain.

Meanwhile, SGPC member Harpal Singh Pali, senior Akali Dal leaders Sukhdev Singh Gobindergarh, Randhir Singh Fauji, Gurcharan and Sant Singh Kandhari reached the venue and protested against the Commission. SDM Shakti Singh and DSP Raj Kumar Walia also rushed to the spot.

After the intervention of the SDM, the students were allowed to sit for the examination, police said. The SDM said the secretary of Staff Selection Commission has been informed about the incident for necessary action.

PTI