Sanjha Morcha

5 Sikhs inducted into US Army with religious insignia intact

Washington, January 24

Five Sikhs have been granted approval to serve in the US Army with their religious insignia intact, days after the army issued a new regulation under which servicemen who wear turbans, hijabs or beards can be enrolled in the military. The new set of rules has been issued by Secretary of the Army Eric Fanning.“After a 35-year presumptive ban on observant Sikhs, our nation’s largest employer has taken a vital step in embracing policies that reflect the rich diversity of our nation,” said Harsimran Kaur, Sikh Coalition Legal Director. “We look forward to permanent policy change across all branches of the military so that all religious minorities can freely serve without exception,” she said.Private Shabaddeep Singh Jammu, an Infantry Recruit who was born and raised in Elk Grove, California, vowed to follow a path of service after tragically losing his brother in 2013.“The ability to serve my country and faith has been a lifelong goal. I’m now honouring my brother while pursuing a career that serves our nation without compromising my beliefs,” he said. — PTI