Sikhs across the world are raising concerns over the exclusion of Sikh regiment from the Indian republic Day parade, including Sikhs in the UK.
Some believe that authorities kept them out because they are hostile to President Francois Hollande of France after that country banned turbans and no one wanted the chance of an incident. Perhaps the French security had asked for it. By the same token the regiment might itself have indicated to the army chief that they would not like to salute someone who had directly impacted on their religious symbols. Perhaps the Centre and the army had mutually agreed to sit out the parade for what is probably the first time this regiment was absent. Speculations are many.
However some others have justified the omission on the basis of shortage of time. Since the programme this year was shortened by 20 mins, the time meant for the Sikh regiment parade was alloted to other communities- and perhaps had nothing to do with Hollande visit. Several regiments such as Gurkhas, Jats, Dogras and many more are said to be a part of the parade in some rotation.
