MODESTO, Ga.: Through ‘concerted efforts of the Modesto Sikh Sangat charges of concealed! weapon (sword) against an Amritdhari Sikh were dropped by the Modesto Municipal Court. Mr. Kulwaran Singh Gill of Livingston, Calif. was cited by Modesto police about his sword (kirpan) as concealed weapon which is felony under law.
The matter was brought to the attention of Sikh Sangat by Mr. Mohinder Singh Sandhu of Fresno at Guru Nanak Sikh Temple on February 8, 1987. Mr. Sukhchain Singh Brar of Modesto perused the matter with the local law enforcement authorities. A delegation of Modesto area Sikhs comprising Sukhchain Singh Brar, Mr. Amrik Singh Dosanjh, Mr. D.S. Sekhon, Bhai Wadhawa Singh (Stockton) and Bhai Tarsem Singh of Livingston held meetings with Sheriff’s office and the District Attorney’s Office to discuss the religious significance of the kirpan (sword) for an Amritdhari Sikh.
It was pointed out that the amritdhari Sikhs are the most respected Sikhs “the Good Guys” among the Sikh community and further more they do not drink, smoke, or use drugs. The Deputy District Attorney, Mr. J. Goulart. was convinced about the importance of kirpan for an Amritdhari Sikh and agreed to drop the charges.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 13, 1987
