Chirac: Sikh Students May Be Allowed to Wear Patkas Instead of Turbans

February 21, 2006

Source: Sify

http://sify.com/news/fullstory.php?id=14146206

On February 21, 2006 Sify reported, "French President Jacques Chirac has said his country may allow Sikh students to wear 'patka' (scarf) instead of turban' in educational institutions and added their sentiments would be respected. The French President gave an assurance to this effect to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani who called on him in New Delhi on Monday. Briefing newspersons, BJP parliamentary party spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra said that when Advani had urged him to reconsider the ban on turbans in schools in France and allow at least 'patkas', Chirac immediately assured him that his government would do so. 'You can assure the Sikh community, on my behalf, that their sentiments will be taken care of,' Chirac told Advani."