R S PURA, Oct 29: Jammu and Kashmir Jatt Sabha President Manjit Singh on Thursday welcomed the recent Cabinet reshuffle by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and expressed gratitude to him for reassigning the portfolio of Deputy Chief Minister to Surinder Choudhary, describing the decision as recognition of his work and his ability to represent the concerns of diverse sections of society. Responding to concerns regarding the regional composition of the expanded Council of Ministers and Jammu’s representation in the government, the Sabha maintained that Surinder Choudhary represented the interests of diverse sections of society, including Hindus, Sikhs, Paharis, Jatts and border residents.
Manjit Singh was addressing a meeting at the headquarters of J&K Jatt Sabha in RS Pura, attended by former Member of Parliament and Sabha Chief Patron Tarlok Singh Bajwa, Sabha Secretary Naresh Bittu and other senior members.During the meeting, the participants discussed the recent political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, the representation of different communities in the government and several long-pending demands concerning the Jatt community, border residents and displaced families.
Manjit Singh said Surinder Choudhary had worked under challenging circumstances over the past two years and deserved the responsibility entrusted to him. He observed that Choudhary’s association with the Pahari community, the Jatt community and border residents had enabled him to understand the difficulties faced by different sections of society.He said the Sabha appreciated the Chief Minister’s decision and hoped that the reassignment would provide fresh momentum to addressing the legitimate concerns of the people.
Highlighting the Sabha’s longstanding demands, Manjit Singh called for concrete steps to address the concerns of the OBC community, particularly its demand for a 27 per cent reservation share at the Central level. He stressed that the issue required serious consideration and a clear response from the concerned authorities.He also reiterated the demand for a comprehensive and just relief package for displaced families from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Referring to the financial assistance provided to eligible refugee families, he said that the existing relief of Rs 5.5 lakh per family fell short of the Rs 25 lakh package recommended for their rehabilitation.
Manjit Singh urged the government to examine the disparity between the recommended and disbursed amounts and take appropriate steps to address the outstanding concerns of the affected families.He said the problems of displaced families should not be viewed merely as financial matters, but in the context of their prolonged displacement, sacrifices and continuing struggle for rehabilitation and justice.
The J&K Jatt Sabha President also reiterated the demand for allotment of two acres of land in Jammu for installing a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.He said Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s historical legacy should be preserved and presented to younger generations through meaningful public initiatives. A suitable memorial, he added, would help educate students and future generations about the historical contributions and leadership associated with the Maharaja.
Manjit Singh further stressed the need to promote and implement Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that language is an important component of cultural identity and heritage.He urged the government to take appropriate measures to protect and promote Punjabi and ensure that the concerns of Punjabi-speaking people receive due consideration in policy decisions.He maintained that the Sabha would continue to raise these issues through democratic and constitutional means until meaningful progress was achieved.
Manjit Singh said representation should not be assessed solely through geographical calculations but also through the ability of elected representatives to understand and address the concerns of different communities.He acknowledged the discussions surrounding changes in the Cabinet, including the exclusion of Independent MLA Satish Sharma and the political considerations associated with independent legislators. However, he maintained that the composition of the Council of Ministers remained the Chief Minister’s prerogative.
Referring to Satish Sharma, Manjit Singh observed that he had already served as a minister for approximately two years, adding that Cabinet appointments and reshuffles were decisions to be taken by the Chief Minister in accordance with the government’s political and administrative considerations.The Sabha reiterated that its appreciation of the Cabinet reshuffle was linked to its expectation that the government would address long-pending public and community issues.
Former Member of Parliament and J&K Jatt Sabha Chief Patron Tarlok Singh Bajwa, while addressing the meeting, expressed support for the Sabha’s efforts to pursue the community’s legitimate demands and welcomed the reassignment of the Deputy Chief Minister’s portfolio to Surinder Choudhary.
Bajwa emphasised the importance of sustained engagement with the government to resolve issues relating to OBC representation, the rehabilitation of displaced families, preservation of historical heritage and promotion of Punjabi language. He stressed that the Sabha would continue to pursue these matters through dialogue with the concerned authorities and seek practical outcomes for the affected communities.He also underlined the need for unity among community members and collective efforts to ensure that long-pending concerns receive the attention they deserve.
J&K Jatt Sabha Secretary Naresh Bittu also addressed the gathering and emphasised that the government’s decisions must translate into concrete action on issues affecting the community and other sections of society.Bittu said the Sabha would continue to pursue its demands concerning OBC reservation, adequate financial relief for PoJK displaced families, allotment of land for the Maharaja Ranjit Singh statue and promotion of Punjabi language. He stressed that regular follow-up with the government and the concerned departments was necessary to ensure that these matters did not remain confined to assurances.He called upon community members to remain united and actively participate in efforts aimed at securing their legitimate rights and preserving their cultural heritage.
Concluding the meeting, Manjit Singh said the Sabha expected the Chief Minister and the newly constituted ministerial team to give serious consideration to the demands raised by the organisation.He said the Sabha welcomed decisions that could contribute to effective governance and greater attention to public concerns, while emphasising that the real measure of any political decision lay in its implementation.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to continue pursuing the Sabha’s demands through peaceful and democratic means, with particular emphasis on OBC rights, the rehabilitation of PoJK displaced families, the preservation of historical heritage and the promotion of Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir.