Sikh wins right to pugri, beard in US Army

A Sikh, Sumitrapal Singh, has won the 5Ks of his community with the US Army in which he works with the bomb disposal squad. The permission to Sumitrapal is said to be unprecedented and historic decision of the US Army. Last month, Sumitrapal filed a case against the Department of Defence. He alleged that because of his pagri and beard, there was discrimination against him. He is being forced to wear a helmet and gas mask. It was the first time that such a case was filed against the Department. On March 31, however, the department took a decision in favour of Sumitrapal. He was told that he could do his religious pursuits and, at the same time, work for the Army. However, he may have to remove his pugri and beard whenver army unity, discipline, health and safety were at stake. Responding to the Army order, Sumitrapal said it was his dream to work for the US Army. He was already working like the other Armymen. However, Sikh religion was an inherent part of his constitution. He does not have to choose anymore between Service to the US and his religion, he added. The Armyman is a bronze medal winner for his exemplary service in defusing roadside bombs in Afghanistan last year.