Jammu, October 16: The Sikh Sangat of Jammu has expressed its gratitude to the Omar Abdullah-led Government for its assurance regarding the introduction of a bill for the inclusion of Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir, along with Gojri and Pahari languages, in the upcoming session of the J&K Legislative Assembly.
Senior National Conference leader and Provincial President Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta, Advocate, welcomed the assurance given by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Hon’ble MP Shammi Oberoi, stating that the decision has been received with great enthusiasm and widely welcomed by the members of the Sikh community including Presidents and other officials of Gurdwaras Prabandhak committees of local Gurdwaras of Jammu at Party Provincial headquarters, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
Gupta said that the Sikh community has long been seeking due recognition and promotion of the Punjabi language, which represents a rich literary heritage, cultural identity and historical contribution of the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir.
He appreciated the assurance that the matter would be taken up in the forthcoming Assembly session and expressed hope that the proposed legislative initiative would fulfil the aspirations of the Punjabi-speaking population, while also advancing the recognition and promotion of Gojri and Pahari languages.
Gupta reiterated that the National Conference has always stood for secular values, communal harmony, linguistic diversity and equal respect for all communities. He said that Jammu and Kashmir’s strength lies in its pluralistic culture, where every language, tradition and community deserves dignity and equal opportunities for development.
He further emphasized that the promotion of regional languages is essential for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening mutual understanding among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Gupta expressed confidence that the commitment conveyed by the Chief Minister would receive due consideration in the forthcoming Assembly session and hoped that concrete steps would be taken to address the long-standing aspirations of the Sikh community and other linguistic groups. The leadership of National Conference Dr.Farooq Abdullah Hon’ble President JKNC and former chief minister and Omar Abdullah Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K have great affection and association with Sikh community and always have great regards for Sikh religion.
Among others who were present included: Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Deepinder Kour former MLC, Rakesh Singh Raka, Dilshad Malik Vice Presidents Central Zone, S. Sandeep Singh Wazir Additional Spokesperson Jammu, Subash Bhagat District President Jammu Rural “A”, S. Sewak Singh District Vice President Jammu Urban, S. Gurnam Singh District Secretary Jammu Urban, Pinky Khalsa Provincial Vice President Women Wing, Flori Singh, S. Somnath Singh, Satwant Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Harpreet Kour, Jagjeet Singh, Kulwant Singh, Sarbjeet Singh, Jasmeet Singh, Devinder Singh, Balwinder Singh, Prithpal Singh, Nirmal Singh, Sarbjeet Singh
