CHANDIGARH: Disputing French embassy's claim that there was no ban on turbans in public places, United Sikhs, along with a few prominent Sikh faces, plan to meet the French ambassador in New Delhi on Thursday to highlight problems being faced by the community in France.
In a 'clarification' issued on Tuesday, France had said that it upheld the freedom of religion. The ban, it said, was applicable only in public schools.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Sikhs of France, through the Conseil Representatif des Sikhs de Franc, have have written to the Sikh nation at large to describe their plight. "Even this year, we had a new type of difficulty affecting French Sikh.
"As they become major, they have to spent one day in military class, which is called "Journee Citoyennete et Defense".
"Without any law, they ban Sikhs to participate because we wear Dastaar," wrote Ranjit G. Singh in the global appeal to the Panth made last week.
"Even after the success in the United Nations, the situation of Sikhs in France did not change at all. Each time, a French Sikh wants to enter the School building, we are asked to remove our Dastaar, our Patka or our Rumal!
"Each time, a French Sikh wants to apply for an Identity document, we are asked to remove our Dastaar on the picture," it adds.
The issue of turban ban had been raised during President Francois Hollande's visit to India during Republic Day celebrations last month. While Sikh bodies had been demanding that the PM take it up with the French premier visiting the country, the absence of Sikh regiment contingent from the Republic Day parade this year.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) had also protested against this and written to defence minister Manohar Parrikar to protest against the same and apprise him that Sikh sentiments were attached to the Sikh regiment, which had a glorious history.
Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) had also protested against this and written to defence minister Manohar Parrikar to protest against the same and apprise him that Sikh sentiments were attached to the Sikh regiment, which had a glorious history.