Kashmiri Sikh community demands reservation in assembly and minority status

The Sikh community in Jammu and Kashmir has come together to demand reservation and minority status for themselves in the region. The community leaders and activists have raised their voices asserting their right to equal representation and protection of their distinct cultural and religious identity.

The demand for reservation and minority status has been long-standing but gained momentum in recent times as the Sikh leaders have been advocating for the recognition of their unique status. The Sikh community constitutes a sizeable population in Jammu and Kashmir with a rich history of cultural heritage and contributions to the region's growth and development.

While speaking to Republic, Baldev Singh, Chairman of United Kashmiri Sikh Progressive Forum, said, "The decision of the Government to reserve two seats for the Kashmiri Pandits and one to PoJK citizens is a welcomed step. Howeverm the Kashmiri Sikhs have been deprived from the reservation once again. Before 1947, two seats were kept reserved for the Sikhs but nonetheless we haven't seen it afterwards. If Kashmiri Sikhs would have migrated, we would have been given reservations all through".

He further added that, "We are the minority in Kashmir. Our population is less than 1.5 lakhs. If we don't get reservations, our existence in Kashmir is going to be useless. We appeal to the mainstream politicians and civil society members to raise their voice for our rights. Since decades, we are crying for our minority status which has not been given yet. Now, we strongly demand two seats to be reserved for non-migrant Kashmiri Sikhs in the J&K Assembly. We appeal the Centre to introduce the bill in the ongoing session of the Parliament". 

The call for reservation centres around the community's demand for equitable representation in the government jobs, educational institutions, and legislative bodies. The leaders argue that affirmative action is crucial to address historical and contemporary imbalances faced by the Sikhs, which have limited their access to opportunities and resources. This recognition is intended to preserve and promote the Sikh culture, language, and heritage in the diverse cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prominent Sikh leaders and representatives of All Sikh Gurdawara Prabhandhak Committee Kashmir and United Kashmiri Sikh progressive Forum have voiced their concerns over the lack of political representation and economic opportunities available to the Sikh community. They have argued that despite their significant contributions to the state's development, the Sikhs have often faced discrimination and marginalisation.

The demand for minority status has been linked to safeguarding the Sikh traditions and heritage from potential erosion. It is hoped that gaining minority status will lead to greater recognition and protection of the Sikh places of worship, religious practices, and institutions, thus strengthening the community's social fabric.

The demands put forth by the Sikh community have garnered attention from the Jammu and Kashmir administration which has promised to address their concerns through dialogues and consultations. However, the process of granting reservation and minority status involves legal, constitutional, and administrative complexities. Any decision in this regard will require a comprehensive understanding of the state's demographics, as well as careful consideration of the impact on other communities and existing reservation policies. Moreover, the matter is sensitive and may require a collaborative approach from various stakeholders, including government authorities, community representatives, and legal experts.

As the discussions on granting reservation and minority status to the Sikh community continue, the hopes of the Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir remain high. They see these demands as a step towards a more inclusive society that respects and protects the rights of all its citizens.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has assured the Sikh community of a fair and transparent process taking into account the constitutional and legal framework while addressing their grievances. The path to achieving these demands may not be easy, but the community's perseverance and determination have laid the foundation for meaningful dialogue and progress.