Kashmiri Sikhs speak out against “denial of reservations”

Sikh groups of Kashmir have spoken out about serious concern over the neglect of Sikh community by Kashmir authorities for status as a minority community.

The issue, one which has long been highlighted by Sikhs of Kashmir, was raised at a public press conference on May 31 by Sikh bodies who believe they have been denied political and fundamental rights in the state by the neglect of minority status for Sikhs, who are barely 2% of the population. Reasons for the lack of minority status for Sikhs in Kashmir are disputed but many Sikhs it is an attempt to starve Sikhs of rights that may be available based on India constitutional law.

Points at the conference raised include the need for “creation of at least five Sikh constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir”.

Tarlochan Singh Wazir, Kashmiri Sikh community figure and chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Gurdwara Parbandhak Board. According to local media, Tarlochan Singh said that Sikhs of J&K have been making appeal after appeal for last so many years to extend minority status for the Sikh community and to set up a Minority Commission in the State  on the lines on National Commission for Minority in order to shield the interest of minorities, including Sikhs, as laid down in constitution of India.

The Kashmiri Sikh Project team, an activist and advocacy group that “project unheard voices” of Sikhs in the area have said “Approximately 60,000-80,000 Sikhs live in Kashmir valley Out of 300,000 across J&K. Their voices have been largely unheard despite a visible presence.” To raise support for the issue, the group have asked supporters to Tweet #TurbanedKashmiri.

Public advocates like Amaan Bali have also highlighted that “Kashmiri Sikhs and their demand to be included in Pahari Speaking Category”.

In the conference, Sikh leaders also in one voice demanded immediate reservation for minority Sikh community for ensuring proper employment and other benefits.

For more on this issue, follow the Kashmiri Sikh Project team.