UNITED SIKHS wins its second Kirpan case in New York City.

April 13, 2004 31^st Chait, 536 Nanakshahi

Richmond Hill, NY - Daler Singh a taxi cab driver was given a ticket for reckless driving. The cop who issued the ticket comes up again to the driver and checks Daler Singh out and on finding a Kirpan is taken to the police station and spends 2 days behind bars. He contacted UNITED SIKHS two weeks ago. UNITED SIKHS was able to speak to the TLC commission and get his license renewed and also got the weapons charge dropped off.

This is the second Kirpan incident for which UNITED SIKHS was contacted. The earlier case was in February 2004 when Baljit Singh, a cab driver, resident of Richmond Hill, New York was arrested in Manhattan for wearing a Kirpan. Baljit Singh spent 3 days behind. His license was suspended for carrying arms. UNITED SIKHS briefings to the presiding judge made the “carrying of arms” charge to be dropped. Contrary to the characterization of the Kirpan as a mere weapon, the Kirpan is a mandatory article of faith for imitated adherents of the Sikh faith. The Kirpan is an article of faith that is carried by Sikh men and women on their person at all times. It is no a cultural artifact but a religious requirement. wrote a letter to the judge who was looking into the case at Center Street, downtown Manhattan. The Kirpan charges were immediately revoked and Baljit Singh could now wear is Kirpan as a proud Sikh

For more information please send email to your_right_to_kirpan@unitedsikhs.org