ONCE AGAIN ARTICLES OF FAITH DESECRATED

DEAR GURFATEH JI

No sooner had the case of Satnam Singh been solved, desecration of sikh faith articles has been reported from England. As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Goalie SONNY SINGH's kara has been removed using wire cutters by the refree before starting the match. This happened against the background of explanation of the importance of five articles of faith to a religious sikh by Sonny, his team mates and management. The arrogant behaviour of the refree should be looked at with revulsion.

It is really sad that this happened in a pluralistic society where religious freedom is reported to be existing at the top according to many. This incident once again shows the enormous difficulties sikh youths have to undergo in Western Democracies. We know what happened in France. Britain has been adopted as place of residence by many sikhs for a period of considerable length . But still there are people who have the scanty respect for the freedom of other fellow beings.

Sonny has covered his kara with gum tapes and his argument was any way it would have been covered with the gloves. But refree had been so adamnat that it had been removed.If this trend continues, who gives the gurantee that next time Monty Panessar will be asked to shave his beard by an umpire if the ball is tossed up to him for his leg breaks.

Like in the Satnam's case, international sikh organisations should come forward and pressurise the FIFA and the England soccer union to take tough and stern action against the refree who violated fundamental human rights of sonny. Such an act should be a future lession for those who hate religious symbols.

Articles of khalsa of the Guru Gobind Singh Ji's family should not be desecrtaed

It is heartning to see the reflection of true sikhi spirit in the words of the first Sikh officer commisioned into the Pakistan army. Wearing a turban spotting a beard, Hercharan Singh has displayed the bravery of his stock saying while being proud to be the first sikh Pakistani in the army, hopefully he will be the first sikh saheed for his motherland.

WAHI GURU JI KA KHALSA
WAHI GURU JI KI FATEH

(PICTURE FROM MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)