In a move that showcases the brewing discontent within the Sikh community residing in Jammu and Kashmir (J & K), a delegation of the All Party Sikh Coordination Committee, comprising Harmilan Kaur and Manmeet Kaur recently met Ms. Droupadi Murmu -President of India during her visit to Jammu and Kashmir last week, making a fervent appeal for justice while highlighting the community’s prolonged grievances. WSN reports.

Echoing sentiments of neglect, two lady representatives of Kashmir Sikhs presented a memorandum to the Indian President Ms. Droupadi Murmu, throwing light on light on the pressing issues faced by Sikhs in the valley.

Significantly, there’s a palpable sense of disillusionment, especially when juxtaposed with the extensive economic and political support that other minority groups, notably the Kashmiri Pandits, have been receiving from both central and state governments.

Drawing attention to the “silent exodus” of Sikhs from the region, Jagmohan Singh Raina, chairperson of the All Party Sikh Coordination Committee, under whose signatures, the document was submitted underscored “the alarming socio-cultural crisis unfolding in the valley. Despite the adversity, the Sikhs, in their indomitable spirit, have chosen to remain in Kashmir, and yet feel disregarded.”

The submission of the APSCC emphasized the key demands of the Kashmiri Sikhs, including,

1. Equal Minority Rights: Extension of the National Commission for Minorities Act (NCMA) to J&K to guarantee equal minority rights.

2. Relief for Internally Displaced Sikhs: Jagmohan Singh Raina is adamant about the need for Sikhs to receive the same relief packages as non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits.

3. Reinstatement of Punjabi as a Recognised Language: Following the abrogation of Article 370, Punjabi’s status was unceremoniously revoked in J &K. Raina vehemently appeals for its reinstatement to protect cultural and linguistic heritage.

4. Political Representation: After the Delimitation Commission’s recommendations, seats were earmarked for minorities, predominantly Kashmiri Pandits. The letter emphatically calls for similar political reservations for the Sikh community.

“Our women delegates were promised positive intervention by the President. We hope that the wheels of justice will move soon.”

Jagmohan Singh Raina, Chairperson, All Party Sikh Coordination Committee, Kashmir

Speaking to The World Sikh News, Jagmohan Singh Raina said, “Our women delegates were promised positive intervention by the President. We hope that the wheels of justice will move soon.”

The Kashmiri Sikh community -from social workers to student leaders, from farmers to businessmen, from educationists to writers to politicians, -all are united in their call for recognition of the rights and contributions of Sikhs in J & K.