Srinagar, Oct 9: Sikh youth of Kashmir held a peaceful candlelight protest at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, to express solidarity with the Jammu Punjabi Morcha and support its demand for the official recognition of the Punjabi language in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The protest was attended by Sikh youth activists, scholars and community members, who gathered to highlight the rich linguistic, historical and cultural heritage of Punjabi and called upon the government to address the long-pending demand for its official recognition.
Speaking to the media, Sardar Angad Singh Khalsa said that the demand for official recognition of Punjabi was genuine and deserved priority consideration by the government.
“Punjabi is an integral part of our cultural identity, history and heritage. The demand for its official recognition is genuine, and the government should consider it on priority. The removal of Punjabi from the list of official languages has deeply hurt the sentiments of the Punjabi-speaking community. Every language deserves respect, protection and equal opportunities for its growth and development,” he said.
Advocate Naveed Bukhtiyar, who joined the peaceful protest, expressed his support for the cause and highlighted the historical importance of Punjabi.
“I love the Punjabi language. It has a vast history, rich literature and a remarkable cultural legacy. Punjabi has contributed immensely to our society and has served as a bridge connecting people across communities. Denying the language its rightful recognition is a matter of concern for those who value linguistic diversity and cultural heritage,” he said.
He further emphasised that the preservation and promotion of regional languages are essential for safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.
Tejveer Singh, President of the J&K Youth Empowerment Society (YES), extended support to the Jammu Punjabi Morcha and said that the organisation stands in solidarity with the demand for official recognition of Punjabi in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We extend our support to the Jammu Punjabi Morcha in its efforts to safeguard the dignity and identity of the Punjabi language. Language is not merely a means of communication; it represents our history, traditions and collective identity. We urge the government to listen to the sentiments of the Punjabi-speaking people and take appropriate steps to promote and protect the language,” Tejveer Singh said.
He added that peaceful democratic expression is an important way for communities to raise their concerns and seek recognition for their linguistic and cultural rights.
The participants stressed that Punjabi has a rich literary and cultural tradition and deserves meaningful support through education, cultural activities and appropriate institutional recognition.
The candlelight protest concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating their solidarity with the Jammu Punjabi Morcha and calling for a constructive response from the government.
Sikh youth activists and scholars present at the protest reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful advocacy for the preservation, promotion and recognition of the Punjabi language in Jammu and Kashmir.
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