Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 26: The order excluding Punjabi language as a compulsory subject in schools as highly discriminatory, Sikh community at large is resentful and hold that denying learning of Punjabi language is disconnecting the Sikh youth with Sikhism.
This was stated by S.S.Bijral former IGP, State spokesperson here, today.
Taking note of widespread resentment against Government Order No. 333-Edu of 2017 dated 19-6-2017 amongst Sikh community throughout the State, BJP Sikh intelligentsia in a meeting today saw the genuineness of Sikh protests particularly when the community for long had been demanding introduction of Punjabi as a compulsory subject in institutions of learning, because its learning is linked to the learning of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book besides being their mother tongue. They were sore realising that Punjabi recognised as a language under Article 146, Schedule VI of J&K Consti-tution, widely spoken throughout Jammu Province and districts of Baramulla, Srinagar and Anantnag has been given step motherly treatment forcing Sikh community to come on road and protest.
Bijral who chaired the meeting informed gathering that matter of introduction of Punjabi stood already brought to the notice of Dr Nirmal Singh, Dy CM and national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna and they confirmed having been assured personally by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, that Punjabi at par with other regional languages would be introduced in schools. Bijral referred to the press note issued of DyCM. Complimenting Dr Nirmal Singh and Avinash Rai Khanna for their timely intervention, the gathering affirmed that need was to allay fears of restive Sikh community and Government order introducing Punjabi language, facilitated by Dr Nirmal Singh should be issued without any further delay.
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