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Two Sikh officers challenge rule that debars unshorn hair
WSN Network

WASHINGTON: After getting strong and consistent support from the Sikh community and its frontal orgainsations in the United States, the two Sikh US army officers, who were hoping to go on active duty but were debarred because of their core religious practices of keeping unshorn hair, have now challenged a three-decade-old rule that requires them to shave off their beards and remove their turbans to serve in the military.

Captain Kamaljit Singh Kalsi and Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan have sought change in the rules that regulate wearing of religious items.

Kalsi and Rattan want to go on active duty in July, but their plans are on hold for a 1980 policy that regulates wearing of religious items,requiring them to shave their beards and remove turbans — what they call their articles of religious faith. Kalsi’s father and grandfather were part of the Indian Air Force. His great grandfather served in the British Indian army.

While US army spokeswoman Toni Delancy said their appeals were under review, the two officers said they were hopeful that they would prevail. Sikh Coalition, a US-based Sikh activist group spearheading the effort, expressed hope that the rule would be changed prior to July, enabling the two to start active duty on time.

“The US army places a high value on, and draws strength from, our diversity. We make every effort to accommodate and encourage diversity consistent with military necessity.

Although, our current regulations establish the standards of wear and appearance of the uniform,we understand the importance of reviewing the rationale behind our current policies when circumstances warrant,” Major General John R Hawkins III has said in a communication to Sikh Coalition executive director Amardeep Singh.

17 June  2009
 

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