Recently a serious terror plot was uncovered in the UK and those responsible were intent on bringing down a number of planes over the atlantic undoutably bound for the US. The result was increased security at major airports in the UK and indeed USA. Hand-luggage was even banned.
Presently the security level threat has been downgraded slightly and hand-luggage items are allowed again. However i was horrified to learn that Sikhs can carry their ceremonious knives/daggers onto planes. I am aware that they carry such items on their bodies because of their religion BUT is it right to risk the safety of others due to your religious beliefs? It just takes a terror-minded person to masquerade as a SIkh carry a knife onboard and then hey presto...more terror!
This cant be right!? WHat do you think? ALso im interested to learn of Sikh view on this matter. Should your beliefs fcome before the safety of others especially with the increased avaition security threat?
2006-09-02 00:14:29 · 17 answers · asked by Boon5 3 in News & Events ➔ Current Events
The 'Sword' (called a KIRPAN) is carried by Sikhs to represent their fight against evil. They are allowed to carry it around by law as it is part of their religion, but because of the fact it is a knife it has been 'adapted'. As one person pointed out it is blunted, it is also reduced in size so it is almost like a miniature.
Risking others lives ? Well the Sikhs are certainly NOT part of the present problem on terror that is going on at present. Sikhs are actually a peaceful religion (but are allowed to take up arm in defence - hence the Kirpan).
As for someone adopting a Sikh disguise? I'm not sure. As I said the knives have been adapted for modern life, so someone turning up with a normal knife, it is bound to raise suspicion.
Should they be allowed to carry it? My personal view is YES - It is a genuine part of their religion (for many hundreds of years). I am also sure that in the aircraft scenario further comprises could be reached eg hand it over to the flight attendants to be locked away and returned afterwards.
(In case you were wondering, I am a Christian, but I also have studied Sikhism)
2006-09-02 09:24:31 · answer #1 · answered by David 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Sikh dagger is known as a Kirpan. It is purely for ceremonial purposes. It is part of the 5 K's for Sikhs which are
1. Kesh (uncut hair)
2. Kadha (Steel bracelet)
3. Kachha (Underwear as a symbol of chastity)
4. Kanga (Comb to keep the hair neat)
5. Kirpan (A ceremonial dagger, that you are questioning)
Let us now look at real world scenario. How many Sikhs actually follow all the 5 K's? As a sikh i can tell you about 20-25% of Sikhs actually do. These are called Amritdharis (Baptized Sikhs)
Now let me answer your question. Most Sikhs who carry Kirpans know that it will do them no good to carry these on board an aircraft. Sikhs who keep their hair unshorn and wear a Turban are already mistaken for Muslims, so they have enough to deal with already, so what you might have witnessed might have been an isolated incedent. The current generation of sikhs dont even keep their hair unshorn leave alone anything else.
Sikhs are a peaceful people, Let me assure you the Kirpan is for ceremonial purposes and all of them are blunt.
Go without fear.
2006-09-03 21:55:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a Sikh. I practise my religion but I also know where to draw a line when it comes to socially accepted norms. I see it is done (carrying daggers) as a means to show others how religious they are. If you are religious, why show others?
It is a bunch of nonsense.
Growing up in India, as a Sikh, I never carried dagger. My fellow Sikhs are taking this "religious nonsense" too far. Why would the government allow this nonsense? They are spineless.
A Sikh should be given a choice. If you insist on carrying a dagger on board - be my guest - you can take a walk. No plane for you. Yes, that's what they should say.
A rule is a rule and it should be applied universally. When I see my brothern do things like this I smirk and I cannot understand what powerful argument could they put forth to get away with this BS.
2006-09-02 00:36:17 · answer #3 · answered by Nightrider 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
This should definitely NOT be allowed. I am Scottish and our national dress is the kilt, as I'm sure most people know. However, as part of the overall outfit, a dirk should be stuck down the side of the long socks worn. A dirk being a dagger. I know this has been banned in certain places. So, if it is not allowed for national outfits, daggers should most definitely not be allowed in schools. The whole idea is too ridiculous.
2016-03-27 04:11:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they ARE allowed to carry them - Freedom of Religion has gone WAY too far and might wind up in A LOT of people being murdered. I don't care if they feel persecuted or that they're being discriminated against! Is a Highlander allowed to carry HIS dagger? Native Americans often carry knives as part of their culture. I carry a weapon every day - but wouldn't think of taking one on a plane - unless the travel is work related and then you get a special pass.
2006-09-02 00:30:40 · answer #5 · answered by 34th B.G. - USAAF 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
My sikh friend showed me his cereminial dagger - it was a tiny symbol carved into his bone comb... hardly a threat to national security. Any metal objectives are removed at the scanner, so they will not be allowed on - but carved ones with no sharp edges should not provide a risk.
2006-09-02 00:32:39 · answer #6 · answered by Chris C 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
They carry knives due to religious beliefs do they? the bloody world is MAD!! there are too many "do- gooders, flamin' political corectness,and "must not be predjudiced" etc etc etc... well just remember that the terrorists like to crash 'planes into tall buildings for THEIR religious beliefs so NO NO NO ..... NO KNIVES!!!
2006-09-02 00:32:38 · answer #7 · answered by sloppy chops 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No body should be allowed to carry a knife in public, religious thing or not. End of chat!
2006-09-02 00:21:34 · answer #8 · answered by Juan Kassoff 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the instigator of this question. They should be required to give their daggers up before boarding the plane.
2006-09-02 02:16:31 · answer #9 · answered by cognito44 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
those knives which sihks carry
are ceremonial
they have as sharpness as you tooth
or a pen..
will you stop all pens in the airplane..
planes have been hijacked with just jabs of pens in the neck
and before banning such items
why dont we ban
cigg-lighters inthe plane???
2006-09-02 03:23:21 · answer #10 · answered by pagolpakhi 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋