Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has written to Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, urging him to raise the issue of the reported beard ban in the United States Army with the US government. He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights of Sikhs to practise their faith freely and without prejudice.
In his letter, Badal expressed deep concern over the reported remarks of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which suggest a restriction on beards for Sikh personnel serving in the American defence forces. He stated that such a decision violates the Sikh community’s religious identity, deeply rooted in the five Kakaars, including unshorn hair and beard.
Calling the move “discriminatory” and inconsistent with the principles of religious freedom, Badal appealed to the Indian government to take up the issue urgently through diplomatic channels. He reminded that in 2010, the US had permitted Sikh officers such as Capt. Simran Preet Singh Lamba and Dr. Maj. Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi to serve while maintaining their religious articles.
Badal noted that Sikhs across the globe are deeply hurt by this development and hope for a prompt resolution that respects their religious rights. He stressed that the matter must be addressed immediately to ensure that freedom of religion remains protected in democratic societies.
