The Australian Sikh community is distraught after theNew South Wales Education Minister Sarah Mitchell imposed a ban on theceremonial dagger/ religious blades ‘kirpan’ in all schools of New South Wales.
The ban came after reviewing the stabbing of 16-year-oldwith a kirpan by a 14-year-old in Syndeny’s Glenwood High School.
According to the reports, a 14-year-old student indulged inan argument with a 16-year-old during lunchtime at school. In aggression, a14-year-old boy stabbed the other guy twice. The victim, however, was rushed tothe hospital for the treatment of stab wounds to his back and stomach.
In a move to control further similar incidents, SarahMitchell announced that legislation that currently allowed to carry religiousknives at NSW schools was a ‘loophole’ and that will now be closed.
She further added that the ban would remain in placeuntil the legislative changes will be brought in place.
While speaking to the representatives of the Sikh community,Mitchell said she came to know that they were distressed by the stabbingincident.
However, an attack with a kirpan was rare, Mitchell feltthe need to impose a ban even the local Sikh community is disappointed.
On the other hand, the ban has prompted Sikh charity “Turbans4Australia”to seek legal advice about whether it could lead to religious discrimination.
According to Australian Sikh Association chairman Ravinderjit Singh, he was informed about the ban news over Zoommeeting with the Education Minister on Monday.
Upon hearing “we were shocked,” he said.
“We are currently holding the consultation meetings withour community and trying to come up with a positive outcome,” he added.
Emphasizing the significance of kirpan Mr. Singh added, “Itis not just a kirpan, it is the whole identity and the whole principle ofbaptism that is linked to the personality of baptized Sikh. It is an honor towear it. The kirpan is not a weapon.”
It may be noted here that a kirpan is a small knife whichsymbolizes a Sikh's duty to defend themselves or help those in danger.