JAMMU, Oct 3: Extending its full support to the ongoing agitation seeking official language status for Punjabi in Jammu and Kashmir, a delegation of senior leaders of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), led by J&K Pradesh President Manish Sahni, on Saturday reached the protest site and handed over a letter of support, written in Punjabi language, on behalf of Shiv Sena (UBT) to the All J&K Sikh Sangathan.
Sahni said that following clear directions from the party high command, Shiv Sena (UBT) has extended its full support to the struggle for the rights, dignity and recognition of the Punjabi language. He said Punjabi is not merely a language of communication, but an integral part of the rich cultural heritage, history and social identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the party’s support for the cause is not new. Shiv Sena (UBT) had earlier staged a hunger strike outside Digiana Gurudwara Sahib and raised its voice for due recognition of Punjabi.
Sahni said the exclusion of Punjabi from the list of official languages of Jammu and Kashmir has ignored a long-standing demand and the sentiments of the Punjabi-speaking community. “When it comes to their rights, the Punjabi community has always raised its voice through democratic and peaceful means,” he said.
“Assurances are no longer enough. Punjabi must be accorded official language status in Jammu and Kashmir,” Sahni asserted.
He made it clear that Shiv Sena (UBT) would stand firmly with the Punjabi community throughout the movement. “The struggle will continue until Punjabi gets its rightful official language status. We will continue the fight until our rightful demand is achieved,” he said.