UK assures Akal Takht on Sikhs

Britain has assured the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh religion, that problems faced by Sikhs in the United Kingdom due to wearing turbans and carrying kirpans would be looked into and some favourable decision taken soon.

Akal Takht Jathedar Joginder Singh Vedanti, who returned after a 12-day visit to Britain, told reporters today that he had discussed with British Prime minister Tony Blair at length, the problems faced by the Sikhs living there.

"Tony Blair was kind enough to give a patient hearing to the problems of the Sikhs and assured me of doing the needful at the earliest", Vedanti said.

"Sikhs, who are not allowed to sport turbans and carry kirpans (sword) while performing their official duties in various Government departments, will now have reasons to cheer as things are going to change soon in their favour following Blair's assurance," the Jathedar claimed.

Vedanti, the first Akal Takht Jathedar to meet a British Prime minister, said that Blair had assured him that the government would strive for a viable solution in this regard.