Sikhs soldiers are integral part of Indian army and their safety and protection always remains a major issue when it comes to their Headgear. But now Sikh soldiers soon to get specially designed helmets and Indian Govt. issued a proposal for the same. The proposal seeks to procure 8,911 large and 3,819 extra large helmets which should be indigenous in design and make. Sikh soldiers have been wearing “bulletproof patkas” that cover a portion of the head while carrying out military operations. However newly customised helmets will be used to cover the entire head. As per proposal by Govt.,the helmet should be able to suit the head size of Sikh troops and should have a centre bulge design. It should facilitate unhindered use of communication radio handset, in-service night vision devices, personal spectacles and respirators.
Meanwhile, Both SGPC, Akal Takht, a highest temporal of Sikhs, demand to withdraw the decision on the grounds that it violated the Sikh code of conduct, besides “destroying” the unique identity of Sikhs in the defence services. Ordering a Sikh soldier to take off his turban and wear a helmet just because it offers better protection to his head, reflects the ignorance of the Sikh’s psyche and a Sikh’s attachment to the turban, the SGPC president said.
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