France, Jan. 29 -- Members of India's Sikh community, who for centuries have gone into battle wearing their signature cloth turbans, are upset by a plan to replace their heritage headgear with odd shaped steel helmets.

The row erupted as Sikh infantrymen marched in the military extravaganza that marked India's 74thRepublic Day.

The army has since decided to acquire 12,730 steel helmets designed for Sikh soldiers, but the move faces resistance from the Sikh clergy who argue that turbans are more than just ordinary headgear.

India's defence ministry has so far not commented on its 5 January order.Upset Clergy

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which runs Gurdwaras or Sikh shrines in northern India, asked Delhi to reverse the d...