Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh today said that the government is committed for the welfare of all communities and sections of the society and several measures have already been taken up in this regard.Deputy Chief Minister, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said this while addressing All J&K Sikhs Conference held here today. Speaker Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta, MLC S. Charanjit Singh Khalsa were also present on the occasion. Dr Singh said that Sikhs have played a vital role in the development and progress of the country and their sacrifices in the freedom struggle were immense. He described Sikhs as true saviours of Indian heritage and civilization. ‘Strong atmosphere of development and trust” for all communities is being created by the government ’, he said adding that the government is keen to ensure an atmosphere in the state where equitable opportunities for growth and development are provided to all. Responding to the issues projected during the conference, Dr Singh assured the gathering that the issues of Minority Commission, implementation of Anand Karaj Act and revival of Punjabi language in state will be taken up with the concerned authorities.
Dr Singh said that Rs 2000 crore have been approved by the centre government as relief for the refugees of the state and the process of its disbursement is underway. He said that the issues being faced by the transporters of minority community will also be taken up with the transport department so that those are redressed on priority. He said that the centre government has taken a major decision to increase the compensation to Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of the victims of cross border firing.On the issue of installation of statue of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Kunjwani, Deputy Chief Minister assured them that due consideration will be given to the demand .Speaking on the occasion, Speaker urged the people to take inspiration from the ideology preached by great Sikh Gurus . He also urged the people to spread the message of Guru Gobind Singh Ji who laid down his life to uphold the values of righteousness, brotherhood and peace to enable mankind to profess the religion of their faith. He appreciated the efforts of minority community in maintaining peace and harmony in the state. He also appreciated the efforts of MLC S. Charanjit Singh Khalsa for inviting various Sikh organizations on a single platform which spreads a message of unity in the society.
Earlier, S. Charanjit Singh Khalsa apprised the Deputy Chief Minister of various issues of minority community including National Minority Commission for Sikhs in J&K, issue of relief to the refugees of 1947, 1965 & 1971, issues of Sikhs in Kashmir, promoting Punjabi language and implementation of Anand Karaj Marriage Act in J&K and issues of transporters. He also urged Dr Singh to take up the issue of extension of route of Sachkhand Express train to Jammu for the benefit of Sikh devotees .Mr Singh also put forth the demand for including the areas of gole gujral,Ber Charana Ranibagh etc under Jammu Muncipal limits .He said that government has taken a positive approach to redress the issues of minorities and expressed hope that these issues will be raised at concerned quarters for their early redressal.Among others who spoke on the occasion include Mr Jagjit Singh Sudan convener MJR47 who raised the issue of permanent rehabilitation of migrants of 1947, Mr Manjit Singh Joint secretary Sarbat Da Bhala trust who highlighted the issue of Minority Commission Act not being enacted in the state depriving Sikhs of various benefits ,Mr Shamsher Singh renowned educationist who stressed on promoting Punjabi language besides Mr Bhupinder Singh and Mr Sewa Singh President Kashmir Singh Sangat.