APSCC reiterates demand for minority status

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 18: All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) today reiterated its demand of giving the minority status to the Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir. The Committee observed the Minority Day as Black Day.
In a statement APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said that both the Union and State Governments have failed to implement National Minorities Act in its original form in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that during 1947 more than 5300 families of Sikh community moved out of the State and as per Government records 31600 families got settled in various camps of Jammu. He said that 11000 families from Budgam and Baramulla districts suffered heavy losses of their properties due to raids by intruders.
He urged the State and Central Governments not to play with the feelings and emotions of minorities in the State, adding that time has come when the minorities should be given their due rights. He said the National Commission for minorities has also failed in serving the interests of the minorities in the State.