Sikh bodies allege neglect of minorities in J&K UT

Sikh leaders addressing joint press conference in Jammu on Monday. — Excelsior/ Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Sept 19: Various Sikh organisations today alleged that minorities communities, specially the Sikhs are facing neglect in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Talking to media-persons here today the community leaders from Sikh Intellectual Circle, Shiromani Akali Dal (Asr), International Sikh Federation, Sikh Naujwan Sabha including Narinder Singh Khalsa, Manmohan Singh, Ranjeet Singh and Inderjeet Singh questioned the indifferent attitude of the J&K Government for the neglect of Sikh community.
They lauded the decision of the LG’s Administration for declaring public holiday on the both anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh but at the same time alleged that demands projected by the Sikh Community since long are being ignored.
They strongly projected the demands of implementation of Anand Marriage Act in J&K, introduction of Punjabi language in all the schools and colleges and its inclusion of Government Schedule like Dogri and Kashmiri, grant of minority status to Sikhs, installation of statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Kunjwani Chowk, justice to the victims of anti-Sikh riots, employment to Sikh youth at par with KPs, reservation in Legislature and resolution of pending refugees’ issues.
These Sikh organisations decided to strive for creating a joint mechanism for meaningful negotiations with administration and serious follow-up.
They said a Sikh representative Ajit Singh (JKTWA chief), who was also present during declaring holiday on Maharaja’s birthday had assured community to project its issues before Government. Moreover, during LG’s visit to Dera Nangali Sahib Poonch recently Mahant Manjeet Singh had also raised community issues.