Sukhbir Badal seeks Centre’s intervention against US Army beard ban

Babushahi Bureau

Chandigarh, October 5, 2025 – Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has urged Union External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to take up the issue of the reported ban on beards in the United States Army with the US government, stressing the need to safeguard the rights of Sikhs to practise their faith without discrimination.

In a letter to the minister, Badal expressed deep anguish over US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statement effectively prohibiting beards for Sikh personnel in the American defence forces.

He said the move undermines the Sikh community’s religious identity, which is closely tied to the five Kakaars—turban, hair, and beard included.

Calling the decision “discr

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