A Sikh man has been held in custody within England for carrying a Kirpan (religious knife) on his person. Many say the man in question was wrongly arrested as Sikhs are legally allowed to carry the weapon because it is one of their articles of faith, as long as it is not being utilised for violent means.
The incident occurred on Bull Street, Birmingham on a Friday evening and has been the source of much media speculation since then. Footage emerged online of the man being confronted by the police for his ceremonial knife, despite him pleading: “I am a Sikh; I can carry this if I want to.”
Aside from this, the man was accused of acting aggressively by the police. Officers then proceeded to radio for back-up from their colleagues. The video showed the man clearly dressed in traditional blue robes and a turban. He was carrying a curved silver Kirpan around one foot in length, strapped to his waist.
The British Sikh council have condemned the news after it was posted on another British Punjabi Facebook group. The group said: ‘If he’s a practising Sikh then there shouldn’t be an issue.’
Alternatively, some members of the public supported the police’s actions, saying with that with the recent surge in knife crime, it was correct to be cautious.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police stated: ‘Police on patrol in Birmingham city centre spoke to a man who was acting aggressively just before 6:30 pm on Monday 5 August in Dale End. He was advised regarding his behaviour and no further action was taken.’
The incident follows after another Sikh man was halted at Gatwick Airport for also carrying the holy dagger.
A Kirpan is part of 5 articles of faith that baptised Sikhs must wear at all times, as per one of the religion’s sacred commandments. Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, if a person can provide evidence and justification their bladed article is used for ‘religious reasons only’ then it can be carried as a form of ‘defence’ or for ceremonial significance.
By Manisha Bhanot
