News Patiala 30th July:-The New York Police Department (NYPD) has prevented a Sikh policeman from growing a beard, citing security reasons. The decision has been met with widespread criticism from Sikh leaders and organizations, who say that it violates the religious freedom of Sikhs.
Sikhs are required to keep their hair and beards uncut as part of their religious beliefs. The NYPD’s decision to prevent a Sikh policeman from growing a beard is a clear violation of these beliefs.
The NYPD has said that the decision was made for security reasons, as beards can interfere with the use of gas masks. However, Sikh leaders and organizations have pointed out that there are other ways to ensure that Sikh policemen can still use gas masks, such as wearing a beard net.
The decision by the NYPD to prevent a Sikh policeman from growing a beard is a discriminatory and insensitive act. It is a violation of the religious freedom of Sikhs and it sends a message that Sikhs are not welcome in the NYPD.
Call to Action
We urge the NYPD to reverse its decision and allow Sikh policemen to grow beards. We also urge the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India to intervene in the matter and ensure that the religious freedom of Sikhs is respected.