Posted: Wed 4th Aug 2021

Sikh man placed in handcuffs for wearing religious sword at North Wales funfair

North Wales news and information
This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Aug 4th, 2021

A Sikh man was placed in handcuffs for wearing a religious sword whilst at a funfair in North Wales, despite the fact it is legally allowed to be worn.

Prabjot Singh, an Amritdhari Sikh, was with his family and friends at the Tir Prince Fun Park in Towyn when the incident occurred on Friday (30th July).

The Sikh Press Association reports that a staff member at the fair noticed his kirpan (a small Sikh sword which is a necessary part of the religion) whilst he was riding the bumper cars.

Mr Singh was told he would need to leave the park or remove the kirpan.

However, when he tried to explain that it is legally allowed to be worn, the staff member called the police.

When officers arrived, Mr Singh was placed in handcuffs, which was said to have caused him embarrassment.

The officers later released him after hearing his explanation for wearing the kirpan, which is recognised under the UK Offensive Weapons Bill as an item which can be worn for religious reasons.

Even after it was made clear that the kirpan was legally allowed to be worn, it is claimed staff at Tir Prince forced his group to leave the park.

Commenting on the incident, his friend Arminder Singh, who was at the funfair, said: “It was really unfair for us to be singled-out this way.

“The staff member claimed there is safety concerns about wearing a kirpan on their rides but there is no evidence for this.

“It was an on-the-spot decision made based on our appearance as Sikhs. The kirpan was securely worn and sheathed.

“The police officer that put Prabjot in handcuffs acted completely unfairly and it is a great shame North Wales Police are yet to address this mistake.

“We hope both Tir Prince Fun Park and North Wales Police will recognise Sikhs have a right to wear the kirpan.

“We believe both should apologise and explain how they will ensure this does not happen to any other Sikhs.”

Responding to the criticism, North Wales Police said: “Officers were called to report of a man in possession of two knives at a busy amusement park in Towyn last Friday

“When questioned, the man explained the circumstances of him carrying a kirpan as part of his Sikh faith.

“The officers were aware of the legal exemption for kirpans and having obtained the explanation they provided him with an official record of the stop search.

“North Wales Police works with all sections of our diverse communities across the region, and constantly seeks to engage over culturally sensitive issues which include consultation with colleagues from the Sikh Police Association, and the Black and Asian Police Association.

“Our officers receive extensive training on these issues, but we will always look to maximise any learning opportunities from each and every incident.

“The force is in the process of trying to contact the gentleman concerned, to address any ongoing concerns he may have.”

The issue was also broached by the force’s chief constable Carl Foulkes after it was raised on Twitter.

Mr Foulkes said: “I have been personally briefed on this incident as I recognise both the religious and cultural sensitivity.

“We are reaching out to the gentlemen affected to discuss the circumstances with him and we will understand and take on board learning for the force.”



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