Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 2: Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) has urged upon the Central Government to reserve some seats for Sikhs on the pattern of SCs/STs in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
A meeting of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was held telephonically under the chairmanship of Jathedar Mohinder Singh, Party president to discuss the issue related to Delimitation Commission and its outcome. Since party looks after the welfare and political rights of Sikh community which is a micro minority in UT of J&K, and has always been neglected by the successive Governments.
It said in 1932, the Galaxy Commission was setup by the then Maharaja of erstwhile State of J&K, had recommended one seat each from Jammu and Kashmir Division reserved for Sikh community in the State Legislature. This provision was made owing to the fact that Sikh community is habituated in such a manner that they could not elect their representative of their own, from any particular assembly segment. But in the past this community has played a vital role in the winning of candidates of likeminded political parties but after winning these political parties have not kept their promises.
Now since, Govt of India has constituted the Delimitation Commission, the Party advocates that some assembly segments be kept reserved for Sikh community both in Jammu and Srinagar divisions, so that they could send their representative to state legislature to mitigate their sufferings. It is presumed that the Commission and its members will give a proper thought to the sacrifices and role of Sikh community in the independence of the state and subsequently in its development. This will be a great tribute to great Sikh martyrs if some reservation is made in the State legislature for the Sikh community like SC and ST communities, he added.
Party strongly demanded representation to Sikh community in the State Legislature. It said the recommendations of the Galaxy Commission can be a guiding path for making a provision in the new set up to keep the democratic fabric of the erstwhile State intact and flourishing.
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