Jammu, October 11: The indefinite Punjabi Language Dharna/Morcha launched by the All J&K Sikh Sangat entered its eleventh consecutive day on Sunday, with rallies taken out from Miran Sahib, Maralia and Camp Gole Gujral, which proceeded towards the main dharna site in Jammu. The demonstrations reflected growing participation by Sikh religious, social and community organisations in support of the demand to grant Punjabi official language status in Jammu and Kashmir.
The rallies witnessed participation from members of the Sikh community, who joined the ongoing peaceful agitation to seek official recognition for Punjabi, a language deeply rooted in the region’s linguistic, cultural and religious heritage.
On Day 11, several Sikh religious and community institutions formally extended their support to the Morcha, strengthening the campaign for the inclusion of Punjabi as an official language of the Union Territory.
The All District Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee Alliance (Kashmir) expressed its support for the movement, emphasising the need to preserve Punjabi as a mother tongue and safeguard its linguistic, cultural and religious heritage.
The Sikh Nowjawan Sabha, Camp Gole Gujral, Jammu, also extended its support, urging the government to recognise Punjabi’s importance and take appropriate steps towards granting it official language status.
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar, National Highway Bypass, Jammu, backed the demand, highlighting Punjabi’s close association with Sikh religious traditions, history and community identity.
Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Raina Colony, Babliana, Jammu, also supported the Morcha, calling for Punjabi to receive due recognition and protection as an integral part of the region’s heritage.
Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Dharap, Jammu, extended its support to the campaign, reiterating the importance of preserving Punjabi for present and future generations.
The Sikh Nowjawan Sabha, Raina Colony (Babliana), Jammu, also conveyed its support for the demand, joining the growing chorus of Sikh organisations seeking official recognition for Punjabi.
Meanwhile, the Akal India Pingalwara Charitable Society (Regd.), Amritsar, raised questions over the exclusion of Punjabi from official language status in Jammu and Kashmir. The organisation emphasised the historical and cultural significance of Punjabi and called for meaningful steps to address the demand.
The fresh endorsements from religious institutions and community organisations across Jammu and Kashmir and beyond have added momentum to the ongoing agitation.
Taranjit Singh Tony, Chairman of Gurdwara Rani Talab, Digiana, and a prominent voice of the Morcha, reiterated that the campaign was peaceful, democratic and constitutional. He stressed that the demand was not directed against any language or community, but sought rightful recognition for Punjabi while respecting the region’s linguistic diversity.
Tony appealed to the Omar Abdullah-led government to respond positively to the demand and bring the Punjabi Language Bill before the Legislative Assembly to initiate concrete steps towards granting Punjabi official language status in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the Morcha entered its eleventh day, the All J&K Sikh Sangat reaffirmed its resolve to continue the peaceful agitation until the government takes meaningful action on the demand.
The rallies from Miran Sahib, Maralia and Camp Gole Gujral to the dharna site further highlighted the determination of the participating Sikh organisations and community members to continue their campaign for the recognition of Punjabi.
