Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha met a delegation of Sikh community of Kashmir under the banner of “United Kashmiri Sikhs Progressive Forum” led by its Chairman, Baldev Singh Raina at the Raj Bhavan here today.The delegation comprising of Religious leaders, Civil Society members, Educators, Professionals from the Sikh community apprised the Lt Governor about the concerning issues and demands of Sikhs living in the UT.The Lt Governor, while interacting with the delegation observed that the present Government is committed towards inclusive development and welfare of all sections of the society. He assured the delegation that all their genuine issues would be taken up for redressal expeditiously.Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that Sikhism binds people in the thread of unity and the community is selflessly serving humanity for ages.“The supreme sacrifices of people from the Sikh community in the freedom struggle can never be forgotten. They have always led from the front and encouraged others with their unity and strength”, he added.
Responding to the demands put forth by the delegation, the Lt Governor said that the UT administration will take immediate and appropriate action to address them. “Government is working for the promotion of Punjabi language in the UT in a well-planned manner”, he added.Referring to the recent launch of Kashmir Migrant portal, the Lt Governor said to the members of the delegation that all possible assistance will be provided to bring the Kashmiri migrants who want to return to their native land.The Lt Governor observed that the government is adopting an integrated approach to establish sustained peace in J&K.While speaking on the employment opportunities for Youth, the Lt Governor urged the members of the delegation to connect the youngsters from the community with various schemes of Mission Youth launched by the UT administration.The Lt Governor assured the delegation that government would provide assistance in the modernization of all religious institutions in the UT of J&K. He also conveyed that the issues regarding reservation will be discussed with the concerned authorities in the central government.Several representatives of the Sikh communities from various districts also spoke on the occasion and apprised the Lt Governor about their issues and aspirations.Earlier, the delegation submitted an 11 point charter of demands to the Lt Governor.