New Zealand welcomes its first turbaned Sikh officer

Jagmohan Malhi has become New Zealand’s first officer to wear the custom police turban. Following in the footsteps of the British constabalry (who also have specially tailored turbans), and the MTA, New Zealand New Zealand's First Turbaned Sikh Police Officeradopted the new attire after Malhi’s campaign to include the turban in the uniform.

Interestingly, Malhi discusses the many challenges and accommodations he’s made since coming to the New Zealand, including cutting his kes and dari when he first arrived. I found this move towards practice really interesting; Malhi mentioned that he wanted to make this possible out of respect for his dying father’s wishes.

Is this the “right” rationale for this move? On one hand, I think it’s admirable and important for there to be the option and existence of visible Sikh officers in New Zealand’s police force. On the other hand, how do we make this possible, and how do people come to this place?


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18 Responses to “New Zealand welcomes its first turbaned Sikh officer”

  1. baingandabhartha says:

    Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…

  2. baingandabhartha says:

    Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…

  3. Jagjinder says:

    [quote comment="5696"]Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…[/quote]

    Since has already been agreed with Police Administrators, Why would any Kiwi sue him for this now?

    He had been in Job for last three years without hair and now he is returning back to turban

    cheers

  4. Jagjinder says:

    [quote comment=”5696″]Cool. Good for him and good for Kiwis for not making him sue for this. He bears some resemblance to Gurpreet Ghuggi…[/quote]

    Since has already been agreed with Police Administrators, Why would any Kiwi sue him for this now?

    He had been in Job for last three years without hair and now he is returning back to turban
    cheers

  5. baingandabhartha says:

    jagjinder ji you misunderstood me-i said good for kiwis that they did not make HIM sue for this-meaning that its a good thing that Mr Malhi was able to get the Kiwis to let him wear the turban without having to resort to a lawsuit just to be able to wear the turban…

  6. baingandabhartha says:

    jagjinder ji you misunderstood me-i said good for kiwis that they did not make HIM sue for this-meaning that its a good thing that Mr Malhi was able to get the Kiwis to let him wear the turban without having to resort to a lawsuit just to be able to wear the turban…

  7. Bikramjit Singh says:

    Comment from Verpal Singh, The Sikh Centre, NZ

    Dear Editor, Your news story on the first turbaned police officer of New Zealand is not correct. The information on which this and other stories were based, was also not correct. For instance:

    1. No changes were required to be made in police rules around facial hair.

    2. There is no specially designed police cap for Sikh police officers.

    3. Constable Jagmohan Malhi had no role in the process of establishing the protocols around Turban as part of uniform of practicing-Sikh Police Officers.

    4. As turban is an extension of unshorn hair (an article of faith for the practicing Sikhs), the right to wear a turban is guaranteed under New Zealand laws on freedom of religion.

    5. Till November 2007 the need for incorporating the turban in NZ Police Uniform did not arise as no turbaned Sikh had sought to join the police. The need arose when Amaninder Singh decided to do so. Once he started moving through the recruitment process, the NZ Police responded to the impending need and worked to fulfill it.

    The whole story behind this event may be found at the following link: http://sikhcentre.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/first-

    Though both Police Officers are a cause for pride for the Sikhs of New Zealand, I am disappointed at the lack of any research by journalists into how all this came about.

    Regards, Verpal Singh

    Chairperson, The Sikh Centre

    Secretary, Sikh Council of New Zealand Incorporated PO Box 76730 Manukau City Auckland, New Zealand

  8. Bikramjit Singh says:

    Comment from Verpal Singh, The Sikh Centre, NZ

    Dear Editor, Your news story on the first turbaned police officer of New Zealand is not correct. The information on which this and other stories were based, was also not correct. For instance:

    1. No changes were required to be made in police rules around facial hair.

    2. There is no specially designed police cap for Sikh police officers.

    3. Constable Jagmohan Malhi had no role in the process of establishing the protocols around Turban as part of uniform of practicing-Sikh Police Officers.

    4. As turban is an extension of unshorn hair (an article of faith for the practicing Sikhs), the right to wear a turban is guaranteed under New Zealand laws on freedom of religion.

    5. Till November 2007 the need for incorporating the turban in NZ Police Uniform did not arise as no turbaned Sikh had sought to join the police. The need arose when Amaninder Singh decided to do so. Once he started moving through the recruitment process, the NZ Police responded to the impending need and worked to fulfill it.

    The whole story behind this event may be found at the following link: http://sikhcentre.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/first-turbaned-police-officer-of-new-zealand/

    Though both Police Officers are a cause for pride for the Sikhs of New Zealand, I am disappointed at the lack of any research by journalists into how all this came about.

    Regards, Verpal Singh

    Chairperson, The Sikh Centre
    Secretary, Sikh Council of New Zealand Incorporated PO Box 76730 Manukau City Auckland, New Zealand

  9. nakliyat says:

    Very nice article thank you very much… nakliyat

  10. nakliyat says:

    Very nice article thank you very much… nakliyat

  11. Thanks for setting everyone straight Verpal Singh! Great article as far as the brother wearing the turban, make me proud to be a NZer

  12. Thanks for setting everyone straight Verpal Singh! Great article as far as the brother wearing the turban, make me proud to be a NZer

  13. […] uitdragen of promoten; elke religie mag zichzelf dus wel uitdrukken, ook in politie functies. New Zealand welcomes its first turbaned Sikh officer | The Langar Hall BBC NEWS | UK | England | London | Met amends Muslim dress code Ik vind de 2e versie eigenlijk […]

  14. Muskan says:

    Proud to be a Sikh!!!!

  15. Manminder singh says:

    It is a proud moment for every Sikh ….:)

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