Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 11: Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today made it clear that there will be no compromise with anti-nationals, anti social elements and saboteurs who are hell bent to disturb peace in the State.
Addressing one day Sikh convention organized by BJP MLC Charanjit Singh Khalsa here, he said these elements will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious designs.
He said separatists who are confined to a small pocket of Kashmir can’t call shots and take the people of entire state to ransom. The State and Central Governments have taken tough stand against the separatists and tangible results will be seen soon. The majority of people in Kashmir are also perturbed with prevailing situation and crave for return of peace and normalcy, he added.
On the various demands put forth by the members of Sikh community, he said the Government will go through these demands and after proper study all efforts will be made to fulfill them.
He said “unlike previous Governments we don’t promise but act in a meaningful way to solve the problems and fulfill the demands”. Turning towards the problem of Sikh transporters he said the issue will be discussed with Transport Minister. On grant of Minority Status to Sikh community, Dr Singh said it is an Constitutional issue and decision on it will be taken only after proper discussions by the Government. On restarting of teaching of Paunjabi language in the Schools he said being an administrative issue all efforts will be made to solve it.
On the installation of statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Kunjwani Chowk and naming it on him, he said Speaker Kavinder Gupta who represents the area will threadbare discuss the issue with the community members to find its solution. He also assured that the problems being faced by the Sikh community members living in Kashmir despite many odds will be settled.
Dr Singh said that PDP-BJP coalition was the first Government in the State which gave attention for equitable development of all three regions of the State. Highlighting the achievements of the government, he said one tube of the fourth Tawi bridge which was closed for traffic over two months back was opened today for traffic.
The Deputy Chief Minster said that for development of Tawi river on Sabarmati pattern a MOU was signed in this regard while the work on 210 crore Multi tier parking at General Bus Stand and Rs 50 crore Super Bazar parking has been started. The work on Panjtirthi parking will start soon, he added.
He said that the Government is committed for the welfare of all communities and sections of the society and several measures have already been taken up in this regard.
Speaker Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta was guest of honour.
Dr Singh said that Sikhs have played a vital role in the development and progress of the country and their sacrifices in the freedom struggle were immense. He described Sikhs as true saviours of Indian heritage and civilization. ‘Strong atmosphere of development and trust” for all communities is being created by the Government’, he said, adding that the Government is keen to ensure an atmosphere in the State where equitable opportunities for growth and development are provided to all.
Dr Singh said that Rs 2000 crore have been approved by the Central Government as relief for the refugees of the State and the process of its disbursement is underway.
He said that the Centre Government has taken a major decision to increase the compensation to Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the victims of cross border firing.
Speaking on the occasion, Kavinder Gupta urged the people to take inspiration from the ideology preached by great Sikh Gurus . He also urged the people to spread the message of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who laid down his life to uphold the values of righteousness, brotherhood and peace to enable mankind to profess the religion of their faith. He appreciated the efforts of minority community in maintaining peace and harmony in the State. He also appreciated the efforts of MLC Charanjit Singh Khalsa for inviting various Sikh organizations on a single platform which spreads a message of unity in the society.
Earlier, Charanjit Singh Khalsa apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of various issues of minority community including National Minority Commission for Sikhs in J&K, issue of relief to the refugees of 1947, 1965 & 1971, issues of Sikhs in Kashmir, promoting Punjabi language and implementation of Anand Karaj Marriage Act in J&K and issues of transporters. He also urged Dr Singh to take up the issue of extension of route of Sachkhand Express train to Jammu for the benefit of Sikh devotees .Singh put forth the demand for including the areas of Gole Gujral,Ber Charana Ranibagh etc under Jammu Municipal limits.
Among others who spoke on the occasion include Jagjit Singh Sudan convener MJR47 who raised the issue of permanent rehabilitation of migrants of 1947, Manjit Singh joint secretary Sarbat Da Bhala trust who highlighted the issue of Minority Commission Act not being enacted in the State depriving Sikhs of various benefits, Shamsher Singh renowned educationist who stressed on promoting Punjabi language besides Bhupinder Singh and Sewa Singh President Kashmir Singh Sangat.
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