Kashmir/ Jammu: Following the path of opportunistic people, dignified Sikhs of Kashmir valley has reduced their earlier demand of azadi into minority status and employment package. The demand has out rightly exposed the separatists for incurring immense pressure upon the minorities for continuation of their illegal business houses. In a meeting with PM Manmohan Sikhs inspite of azadi demanded minority status and employment package, as per official press note.
Earlier, a day before Manmohan’s visit microscopic minority in Kashmir, after the exodus of Pandit community, stay put at their native places during the crucial time of armed insurgency. Sikhs managed to preserve their culture and dignity even in difficult period of time in valley. But Sikh organizations are openly out to support separatists’ agenda of separation (Azadi).
According to news report published in Urdu daily, various Sikh organizations including Sikh Intellectual Forum, Sikh Students Federation, Sikh Welfare Front and Sikh League has extended support to hurriyat factions for observing shut down on June 25th, schedule for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandi’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir for opening rail link between the two regions.
One of the Sikh leaders namely S Narinder Singh Khalsa has urged upon the Government of India to fulfill the historical promises made with people of Kashmir. He stressed upon India to leave the decision of future to the people of Kashmir.
He has also demanded that separatist leaders should be released from house detention while condemning atrocities and human right violations upon the innocent people of Kashmir Khalsa said that these leaders are not given adequate political space in their own place.
It is important to mention that Sikhs in Kashmir have been small in number but united and their presences in various assembly segments have been instrumental in the past elections. Large number of Sikh families has been migrated but maximum preferred to stay put in valley despite threats and social boycott in the past.
“Sikhs are our brethren and have stood by us in most crucial period of time” Ghulam Mohammad a local said adding that Sikhs are facing like people of majority community faces the hardships extended by security forces in the name of law and order also of the militants in the name jehad Azadi (struggle for Freedom).
It not only Sikh organizations who are stationed in Kashmir are demanding for Azadi or self determination but one Pandit leader namely Bushan Bazaz is often witnessed to speak the langue of Separatists. Socio-Political observers are of opinion that either they have to leave or to sing on the tunes of Separatists is the only reason behind supporting to self determination or Azadi.
Reacting developments in valley, Surinder Singh a Jammu based social worker said that people have lost sense of nationality and integrity. He said that petty political gains by politicians have reduced the ethics of nationhood to its lowest ebb. He suggested that instead of fighting war with neighbor Pakistan, Indian should fight pseudo nationalists across the country and starting from northern most Kashmir.