RAMGARH, Oct 19: Provincial President of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) and President of All Jammu and Kashmir Jat Sabha, Manjit Singh, was felicitated by the Sikh Sangat of Ramgarh constituency in recognition of his vital role in securing a written assurance from the Jammu and Kashmir Government regarding the proposed inclusion of Punjabi as an official language of the Union Territory in the forthcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The felicitation was organised by the Sikh Sangat under the leadership of heads of various Gurudwaras in the Ramgarh constituency. The gathering acknowledged Manjit Singh’s contribution to the Punjabi Language Morcha and his efforts in taking up the community’s long-pending demand with the government.
Addressing the gathering, Manjit Singh appreciated former District Development Council (DDC) member Taranjit Singh Tony for leading and organising the Punjabi Language Morcha, which continued from September 29 to October 16. He lauded Tony’s role in mobilising the community and sustaining the peaceful agitation to press for official recognition of Punjabi in Jammu and Kashmir.
Singh said the sustained efforts of the Sikh Sangat and participants brought the demand into focus and helped secure a written assurance from the government that a bill concerning the inclusion of Punjabi as an official language would be introduced during the forthcoming Assembly session.He emphasised that the achievement reflected the importance of collective efforts, democratic mobilisation and constructive dialogue in taking up issues concerning language, identity and cultural heritage. He also acknowledged the contribution of the Sikh Sangat and other supporters who stood together in pursuit of the demand.
During the course of the movement, Manjit Singh was appointed chairman of the delegation that held discussions with government representatives. The delegation pressed for a concrete commitment on the demand, ultimately receiving written assurance regarding the introduction of the proposed bill in the upcoming Assembly session.The assurance has raised expectations among supporters of the movement, who are now looking towards the legislative process for further action on the issue. The introduction and consideration of the bill in the Assembly will be important steps in determining the final outcome.
The felicitation of Manjit Singh by the Sikh Sangat was also an expression of appreciation for the collective efforts that brought the Punjabi language issue to the forefront. The gathering highlighted the importance of preserving Punjabi’s rich literary, religious and cultural traditions and ensuring that the language receives due recognition.
Manjit Singh stressed the value of unity and sustained democratic engagement in pursuing public causes. He acknowledged the role played by those who participated in the agitation and contributed to advancing the community’s demand.The event concluded with renewed expectations that the written assurance given by the government would be followed by the introduction of the proposed bill in the forthcoming Assembly session, taking the demand for official recognition of Punjabi to the next stage.