Excelsior Correspondent
![Sikh employees talking to reporters at Jammu on Saturday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/page131-300x168.jpg)
JAMMU, Oct 5: J&K Sikh Government employees Gurmat Vichar Manch has expressed concern over the Government decision to debar them of their religious and Constitutional rights and participate in the selfless service of Gurdwaras.
Talking to reporters here, today, S Hardev Singh said right to religion is universally recognized fundamental right in the J&K Sikh enrolment and religious Gurdwara Act 1973 where as some vested interests within the Sikh community want to keep them out of management of their religious places.
Singh said it is a matter of shame and concern that according to these vested interests elections for the Gurdwaras management is nothing but an election to the political office. By uttering such words they have insulted the religious principles of Sikhism which hold the Gurdwara not a political office but a religious place.
S Dharminder Singh Bhargav said that at a time when even the political parties are not allowing the criminals into the legislature these people instead of demanding the exclusion of criminal elements from Gurdwara management are supporting them.
He said when a person with criminal back ground can contest the Gurdwara election why not a Government employee.
Supporting their view Paramjeet Singh said that the Government employees are neither linked to politics nor are criminals. He recalled the role of those Sikh employees who served the community by working with various religious organizations and turned to be the great religious leaders of the community.