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N
E W S August
31, 2003: Italy For many years Sikhs from Akhand Kirtani Jatha (AKJ) of the United Kingdom have travelled to foreign countries for Gurmat Parchaar. These tours are held in August at destinations where few Parcharaks travel.
This year, approximately 120 Sikhs from AKJ UK went to Italy. The Samagam was held from August 5 to 10, 2003. Accompanying them were Sikhs from Holland, France and Germany.
During the Samagam, three Amritdhari Sikhs from the UK and two from Italy were at a local supermarket outside the town of Reggio Millia getting food for the Children's Gurmat Camp. The supermarket security noticed that they were wearing Kirpaans and called the police. The three were arrested. Upon hearing this at the Gurdwara, a group of 15 Sikhs went to the police station to seek their release. After explaining the situation, the three were released and the police offered an apology.
Kirpaans are banned in Italy, Gathka is not allowed. Furthermore, Sikhs outside the Reggio Millia area are regularly harassed with verbal abuses referencing Bin Laden.
The AKJ UK representatives took the innitiative and summoned the local press. Representatives from AKJ UK and Bhai Amarjit Singh from the local Gurdwara spoke to the press in detail about the kirpaan issue, the Sikh identity and the racism Sikhs are faced with every day. They also informed the press of the humanitarian message of Guru Nanak and invited all the citizens of the district to come to the Gurdwara anytime and have langar and find out about Sikhism. That evening the “Gazette de Reggio” published a positive article about Sikhs with pictures on the front page.
Another paper from another district, after hearing about the arrests, contacted the Indian Embassy which apparently gave a very negative message about Sikhs. In response, the local Sikh youth contacted many talian and European newspapers. Many of the newspapers responded and interviewed the young Sikhs about the Sikh Identity, the kakaars, and the message of Guru Nanak. The interview appeared in several newspapers and again showed Sikhs in a very positive light. The local sangat was pleased with these news reports and pledged to continue the outreach. On August 9, the Samagam staged a large Gathka Event outside the Main Town Hall in Reggio Millia. It was attended by many local Italians, the Mayor and Head of Italian Police in the District. Gathka Akharas who displayed their skills were Bhai Fauja Singh Akhara from Leeds, Paris Gathka Akhara and Ranjit Akhara from Italy. A total of 45 youth performed Gathka.
The Mayor, who is said to be a long time supporter of the Sikhs, requested to have a dastaar tied on his head. After the event, the Mayor was presented with a shield and kirpaan. In his statement to the sangat, he pledged his full support for the Sikh identity and kirpaan campaign. This was also echoed by the Head of Police. The Italian press covered the event. One of the national newspapers that was present offered the services of its lawyers for the campaign. Press reports showed pictures of Jathedar Joginder Singh, with his kirpaan, meeting the Pope. The Italian Sikhs stated that, with all the media attention, the Sikh identity and kirpaan issues have been brought to the attention of Prime Minister Silvio Berlesconi. comment: story courtesy Jagjit Singh, UK
Copyright
©The Sikh Sentinel 2003 |
Upon
returning to the Gurdwara, the local sangat informed them that this is
a regular occurance. Every month or two someone gets arrested. The Gurdwara
had started dialogue with authorities but to no avail. 
It
was the first time a demonstration with kirpaans was allowed in Italy.