STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Asserting that the BJP is all set to form the new government in Jammu and Kashmir, the party’s National General Secretary R. P Singh on Friday said that all the issues of Sikhs in the Union Territory will be addressed, which include grant of Punjabi its rightful place and status, bringing Sikhs under the ambit of 412, now amended in 425 for jobs to the Sikh educated youth settled in the Valley, who have not migrated.
To a question on why no seat has been reserved for nomination of Sikhs, like Kashmiri Pandits (Migrants) in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, R. P Singh in an exclusive interview to STATE TIMES, said that the BJP has given mandate to Narinder Singh Raina, who will be part of the next government to empower the community. All the issues pertaining to Sikhs will be addressed and Narinder Singh Raina will have the responsibility to monitor these for logical conclusion.

Q. How is the bonding between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sikhs and why is there anger among a section with the BJP?

Ans: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done a lot for Sikhs-so much that has never been done in the past over 70 years. The relationship between the Prime Minister and the Sikh community is multifaceted, reflecting a blend of support stemming from various initiatives taken in the recent years. Yes, some people have some issues but their number is microscopic.

Modi’s government has actively promoted Sikh history and contributions, with initiatives that highlight the valor of Chhote Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh. This acknowledgment helps foster a sense of pride and recognition within the Sikh community. Bal Diwas is observed every year with reverence. The Prime Minister has taken up the task of getting Gurubani translated in all the languages across the country and urged the United Nations to have this done in all the world languages. Modi’s government has initiated efforts to translate Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings into various languages, which has furthered the global reach of Sikh philosophy.

BJP NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON R P SINGH
AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH STATE TIMES

The role of the Prime Minister has been immense in bringing the persecuted Sikhs from Afghanistan. The establishment of Kartarpur Corridor with Sikhs not required to have visas or stamps on passports is yet another milestone. Corridor, opened in 2019, and the Indian pilgrims visit the Gurdwara in Pakistan, facilitating spiritual connection and pilgrimage, which many Sikhs view as a historic and symbolic gesture. Besides, the CAA is yet another initiative that opens up opportunities for persecuted minority communities in the neighbouring hostile countries to return to India.

Q. Why do some sections of Sikhs feel alienated?

Ans. Yes there has been alienation after 1984 Sikh riots in Delhi. Eminent people like former RAW chief GB Sidhu have alleged that there was a conspiracy, who purportedly discussed strategies to target Sikhs during the riots. Why should have the Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi carried out a round of Delhi during those horrendous days. However, the Prime Minister has given a healing touch to Sikhs after 40 years. Cases against those accused in the riots are under judicial scrutiny. I had myself lodged a complaint against Jagdish Tytler, which has been converted into an FIR. Modi’s popularity among the Sikh community is rooted in his government’s initiatives that promote justice, cultural recognition, and community pride. Modi’s administration has implemented several policies that resonate positively with Sikhs. One notable initiative is the ending of travel blacklists, which previously barred many Sikhs from entering India. This is a significant step toward reconciliation and inclusivity. However, the shadow of the 1984 riots continues to influence perceptions, with historical grievances creating a complex landscape of support and dissent. Some elements certainly do mischief abroad, like painting walls during nights but their number is negligible. You will agree, some deep states are using some people as their tools abroad. There have been attempts to paint the most patriotic community of the world as anti-national. Sikhs are the most patriotic community of India. The Modi government is doing everything possible to empower them. There are two Sikh ministers in the Union Ministry besides adequate representation in the policy framing bodies of the BJP. We have been consistently striving for justice to Sikhs. I have not been observing Diwali for the past two years because Devender Pal Singh Bhullar continues to be in jail. His health is deteriorating.