CHANDIGARH: Former Punjab Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) General Secretary Mr. Manjinder Singh Sirsa today took serious notice of the incident occurred at Tral in Jammu and Kashmir where a sikh girl was pressurized to convert into Islam and was seriously injured in attack by Islamic fundamentalists when she refused to toe the line dictated by them. Both the leaders took up the issue with the DGP of the state who assured them of prompt action in the case.
In a statement released here today, Mr. Majithia, who is also SAD’s Incharge of J&K state affairs and Mr. Sirsa said that it has come to their notice that a sikh girl who joined Islamic University of Science and Technology in South Kashmir was allegedly being forced to convert to Islam and was asked to observe fast during Ramzan to wear a head scarf like other Muslim girls go in the college. When she refused the boys first tried to strangulate her and later two bike borne youth tried to stab her. A case has been registered in this regard but no arrests have been made yet. They said that the girl’s family is scared as they are being threatened through social media apps. They further informed that when they talked to father of the girl Mr. Amarjit Singh he stated that there is no option left for them and they are being forced to leave the valley. They assured the family that not only SAD but whole community is with them and their safety and security will be ensured at any cost.
They also said that the SAD firmly believes in teachings of the Sikh Guru Sahib of Universal brotherhood and Sarbat da Bhala and also follows the principles as enshrined in the Indian Constitution of freedom of religion and tolerance towards all. They also urged the Muslim brothers to condemn such acts of forceful conversion and coercion.
Both the leaders said that this is serious issue which has unearthed a new practice being adopted by Islamic fundamentalists in the state where the Sikhs and other non muslim communities are in minority. They said that such acts of the fundamentalists are serious threat to the democratic fabric of the country. They questioned the Governor of the state that when police has failed to safeguard Sikhs and other minority communities in the state from such religious fanatics then how can they save people from Militants. They urged the Centre government to take prompt action in the case and ensure safety of the girl and her family and also take stern action such culprits who are preaching hatred in the society.
Majithia and Mr. Sirsa said that such fanatics should be put behind bars immediately to stop this nefarious campaign from further hurting any other. They also sought immediate intervention of the Centre government and J&K Governor and said that if they failed to take prompt action then people will be forced to come on streets to get justice and action against the guilty.
Sirsa said reminded the Centre government that Sikhs have never migrated from the Valley and this was only reason that Kashmir is integral part of the country. He said that once their exodus begins, it will become difficult for government to keep Kashmir with the country.