Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 12: A delegation of Sikh Progressive Front, led by its president, Balvinder Singh here today met Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and discussed several issues concerning the community in J&K.
A handout stated that the main issue on which the CM gave assurance was the promotion of Punjabi language particularly in schools and colleges, by ensuring the availability of qualified Punjabi teachers.
Another important issue raised was the early implementation of Anand Marriage Act in J&K and removal of the anomaly of charging a basic registration fee of Rs. 1500 along with penalty provisions for delayed registration of Sikh marriages.
The CM agreed that such charges were not justified, noting that only a nominal fee of around Rs. 100 is charged under the Hindu Marriage Act. He assured the delegation that the matter would be reviewed and the order reconsidered.
The delegation also talked about the file related to grant of additional ex-gratia relief to the next of kin of 14 persons killed in 1989 anti-Sikh riots in Jammu.
Delegation members said that the file has been pending in the Civil Secretariat for nearly four years. They sought CM’s intervention to expedite the case so that the long-awaited relief should be given to the affected families.
The delegation also demanded political reservation and representation for the Sikh community in J&K Legislative Assembly, amendment in SRO 425 to include Sikh youth of Kashmir valley in Special Employment Package originally announced by former PM Manmohan Singh.
The CM assured the delegation that he would personally look into the matters with a positive approach and extend all possible support.
The delegation included general secretary, Manjit Singh, joint secretary, Rajinder Singh Soodan, Paramjit Singh, T.P Singh and other members.
The delegation was accompanied by NC Youth provincial president, Tejinder Pal Singh Aman.
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