The Jammu and Kashmir Government has given a written assurance to the Punjabi Morcha regarding the inclusion of Punjabi, Gojri and Pahari languages among the Union Territory’s official languages. The government has assured that a bill on the issue will be brought before the J&K Legislature during the upcoming winter session.
The assurance was given by senior National Conference leader and Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi during a meeting of the party’s Minority Cell and representatives of the Punjabi Morcha, led by Manjit Singh, in Srinagar on October 14. Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani also attended the meeting.
Shammi Oberoi said that, on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the party leadership, a written assurance had been provided to the delegation. He added that the concerns and demands of the Sikh community would be conveyed to the Chief Minister for appropriate action.
Following the government’s assurance, the Punjabi Morcha announced the suspension of its agitation. In Jammu, supporters led by T.S. Tony took out a victory march and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and MP Shammi Oberoi.
During the meeting, participants reiterated their demand for Punjabi to be recognised alongside Urdu, Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi and English as an official language of Jammu and Kashmir. They stressed that official recognition would help preserve Punjabi’s rich cultural heritage and address a long-standing demand of the Sikh community.
The meeting also discussed various issues, grievances and demands concerning the Sikh community across the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Nasir Aslam Wani reiterated the National Conference Government’s commitment to equal treatment, public welfare and the protection of the rights of all communities.
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