DGPC Jammu Advocates for Punjabi Language, Minority Rights, and Heritage Preservation

||Black and White Digital News ||

||Parvinder Singh January 17,2025 ||

JAMMU: The District Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (DGPC) Jammu, under the leadership of its President S. Ranjeet Singh Tohra along with Joint Secretary Ranbir Singh and Jagpal Singh cashier DGPC has presented a memorandum to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, Omar Abdullah. The memorandum outlines 12 pressing demands concerning the linguistic, cultural, and socio-political rights of the Sikh community in the region. Jagpal Singh, Cashier of DGPC Jammu, played a pivotal role in arranging the meeting with the Chief Minister.

Key Highlights from the Memorandum:

1. Inclusion of Punjabi as an Official Language:

The exclusion of Punjabi from the official languages list in 2020 has caused great concern within the Sikh community. The DGPC demands its reinstatement to honor the community’s linguistic heritage.

2. Introduction of Punjabi in Schools:

The memorandum highlights the inadequate representation of Punjabi in educational institutions, with only 28 out of 780 higher secondary schools offering it. The DGPC urges the government to increase this number to at least 100 schools.

3. Amendment of the Sikh Religious and Endowment Act, 1973:

The DGPC seeks amendments to align the Act with Sikh Rehat Maryada, mandating the use of “Singh” and “Kaur” as identifiers for Sikhs.

4. Proper Implementation of the Anand Marriage Act:

The memorandum calls for clear guidelines to facilitate the independent registration of Sikh marriages under the Act.

5. Establishment of a Minority Commission:

To safeguard the rights of Sikhs and other minority communities, the DGPC demands the creation of a Minority Commission in J&K-UT.

6. Reservation for Sikhs in Local Bodies:

The community requests reservation in panchayats, wards, and local bodies in Sikh-majority areas, along with inclusion in the OBC category.

Preservation of Sikh Religious and Historical Sites:

The DGPC has listed several Sikh religious and historical sites that require preservation and development, including:

• Gurdwara Charan Kamal Guru Nanak Patsha (Kathua)

• Gurdwara Chathi Patshahi (Nowshera, Rajouri, and Baramulla)

• Gurdwara Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur (Reasi)

• Gurdwara Nangali Sahib (Poonch)

Other Critical Issues:

7. Recognition of Sikh Martyrs:

Honoring Sikh martyrs, including five Sikh units who sacrificed their lives in the 1971 war, by naming institutions after them.

8. Justice for Sikh Genocide Victims:

The DGPC demands action and compensation for victims of the 1984, 1989, and Chattipora genocides, emphasizing the lack of public commission reports.

9. Equal Benefits for Kashmiri Sikhs:

Calling for parity in benefits provided to Kashmiri Sikhs and other communities, such as Kashmiri Pandits.

10. Protection of Sikh Kakars (Religious Symbols):

Ensuring respect for Sikh Kakars during exams and in public institutions.

11. Upgradation of PVC Bana Singh Stadium:

Renovation of the R.S. Pura stadium to improve sports infrastructure for the community.

The DGPC urged the government to facilitate an interaction between Sikh intellectuals and officials to address the outlined demands and expedite their implementation.

The DGPC Jammu’s memorandum reflects the Sikh community’s determination to preserve its linguistic, cultural, and religious heritage while addressing long-standing socio-political concerns. The meeting marks a significant step toward resolving these issues.