Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand has given a clarification on the controversial statements given on their behalf on a Police advertisement video.
Constable Heber Gasu wearing a turban was featured in a popular police recruitment video, which was viewed millions of times.
Rajinder Singh, Secretary General of Supreme Sikh Society (SSS) told SBS Punjabi that the controversy surrounding Police officer Gasu wearing Turban was sparked by social media.
“I never objected to Constable Gasu wearing a turban. I was only in the opinion if there are other Sikh police officers already available to do the job then Police could have availed their services,” said Mr Singh.
“In response to the current issue where some anti-sikh elements in alignment with other negative forces are unnecessarily creating some doubts as to if SSS has not approved of the turban as worn by Constable Gasu.
Rajinder Singh told SBS that turban also referred as ‘Pagri or Dastar' is one of the compulsory items for Sikhs to maintain their identity.
“I was contacted by a journalist from NZ Herald who sought a view point of our Society and hence I responded, which was misquoted in the article," he said.
“SSS always welcome every non- Sikh to its functions and Sikh Gurdwara Sahib at Takanini. We respect and love all the religions and have always worked jointly with Kiwi people of all ethnic backgrounds on numerous projects of Public and New Zealand society interests.
“We have honoured so many NZ Police Officers at Sikh Gurdwara Sahib for all the welfare and care Police have always extended to Sikh community living in NZ."
“We will always be working side by side with NZ Police and also with all the NZ Government structure for the betterment of whole New Zealand and Sikhs living in New Zealand particularly.
“We are the followers of Sikh faith that spreads the message of universal brotherhood. We respect and love all with open heart and wide arms.
“But at the same time NZ police should understand the sensitives attached to matter like this. All I wanted was the respect for turban.
“Wrong or fake shape turbans can give confused signals and also will disrespect traditions and sentiments of Sikhs and Sikhism.”
New Zealand's first Indian-origin Police officer Mandeep Kaur Sidhu has also taken to social media to express her opinion on the controversy surrounding this matter.
