Sikhs on planes (and daggers too)?

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

No body should be allowed to carry a knife in public, religious thing or not. End of chat!

I agree with the instigator of this question. They should be required to give their daggers up before boarding the plane.

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???