Written assurance given in Srinagar talks; Morcha to announce formal withdrawal of agitation at press conference on Thursday
Jammu Tawi/Srinagar, October 14: The All J&K Sikh Sangat’s Punjabi Morcha has achieved a significant breakthrough, with the government providing a written assurance regarding the inclusion of Punjabi as an official language of Jammu and Kashmir following successful talks with a delegation of the Morcha in Srinagar.
Following the outcome of the discussions, the Morcha leadership announced its decision to call off the agitation. A press conference will be held on Thursday, October 15, after 3 pm, to formally announce the withdrawal of the Morcha.
The development marks a significant milestone in the movement for official recognition of Punjabi, which received growing support from Sikh religious institutions, local social organisations, community leaders and people from various walks of life during the peaceful agitation.
The delegation, led by former minister Manjit Singh, held discussions in Srinagar following an invitation facilitated by Rajya Sabha MP Gurwinder Singh Oberoi. During the meeting, the delegation received a written assurance concerning the demand for granting official language status to Punjabi in the Union Territory.
The delegation comprised Manjit Singh, Ranjit Singh Tohra, Surjit Singh, Balvinder Singh, Jagpal Singh, Gurmeet Singh Tara, Verinder Singh Sonu, Paramjit Singh Sodhi, Gurjeet Singh Kingi, Sandeep Kour and Pavneet Kour.
Expressing satisfaction over the outcome, the delegation viewed the written assurance as a major step towards fulfilling a key demand of the Morcha. Other issues raised included the allotment of land for installing a statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the formation of a Sikh Advisory Board.
Taranjit Singh Tony, Chairman of Gurdwara Rani Talab, Digiana, and a prominent leader of the Punjabi Morcha, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, delegation members, Sikh religious institutions, social organisations and community leaders who stood firmly behind the movement.
Tony said the achievement belonged to the entire Punjabi-speaking community and everyone who had supported the cause with unity, dedication and determination. He also appreciated the delegation members for representing the aspirations of the community during the Srinagar discussions.
He thanked Rajya Sabha MP Gurwinder Singh Oberoi for facilitating the consultation and helping advance dialogue on the long-pending demand for official recognition of Punjabi.
Reiterating the peaceful and democratic character of the agitation, Tony said the Morcha had remained committed to constitutional methods throughout its campaign. He emphasised that the movement was not directed against any language or community but sought rightful recognition for Punjabi and the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Morcha received support from several Sikh religious bodies, community organisations and social groups, whose solidarity helped sustain the campaign and keep the demand in public focus.
With the Srinagar talks concluding successfully and a written assurance received by the delegation, the All J&K Sikh Sangat has decided to bring the agitation to a close. The formal announcement regarding the withdrawal of the Morcha and further details will be shared at Thursday’s press conference.