Sikh Committee in Kashmir Demands Pahari Status, Special Job Package

Srinagar:  In a significant move, All Kashmir District Gurduwara Prabandhak Committee, a prominent Sikh body in valley, has voiced its demands for Pahari status for Sikh community during a press conference held on Wednesday in Srinagar.

During press conference, committee members raised questions regarding selective allocation of Pahari status, expressing concerns over exclusion of Sikh community from move.

“Why has Pahari status been selectively granted, leaving out communities like Sikh?,” Sikh Committee members question.

Furrmore, committee demanded a special job package to dress employment needs of Sikh boys, citing disparities in assistance provided to non-migrant communities. y called upon government to extend similar assistance to Sikhs.

"While non-migrants receive job packages, why have our Sikh brors been overlooked? Will government extend similar assistance to Sikhs if y too leave Kashmir Valley?” y asked.

In dition to se demands, committee emphasized importance of preserving linguistic identity of Sikh community by implementing Punjabi language in educational institutions and public domains. y stressed that such measures are crucial for maintaining cultural heritage and identity.

committee also emphasised urgent land issues and concerns surrounding Gurdwara Mattan Sahab Anantnag, in south Kashmir.

Seeking assistance and permissions, committee vocated for construction of Gurdwara Sahab at Gulmarg and a Gurdwara boarding house in Tral, both in South Kashmir. "We seek government assistance and necessary permissions in construction of Gurdwara Sahab at Gulmarg and Gurdwara boarding house Tral to facilitate pilgrims and promote religious tourism," said committee members while dressing a press conference.

Moreover, committee called for heritage status to be granted to Gurdwara Amirakal and Maharajgunj in Srinagar, which as per m have historical and cultural significance for Sikh community.