Govt committed to resolve issues confronting Sikhs

The Chief Minister highlighted the role of Sikhs in nurturing harmony in the state.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has assured the Sikh community of the state that his government will take all steps to resolve the
issues it faces on economic and other fronts.

"We are fully apprised of your demands and problems and every effort would be made to help accommodate you and resolve the problems you face on economic and other fronts," the Chief Minister said, addressing a gathering of Sikhs
after a function yesterday.

Terming the age-old amity between Sikhs and Muslims as an important facet of `Kashmiriyat`, he said secular traditions and mutual brotherhood has been the characteristics of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister highlighted the role of Sikhs in nurturing harmony in the state, saying they have lived with Muslim brethren through thick and thin, maintaining an
atmosphere of peace and friendship.

"In all difficult times, you have lived with the majority community shoulder to shoulder rendering service to the society and upholding high principles of brotherhood and good relations," Abdullah said.

The Chief Minister was speaking after laying the foundation stone for construction of second phase of building complex of Khalsa school here.

Referring to nomination of Sikh member Dharam Veer Singh Oberoi as an MLC, he said the representation to the Sikhs of Kashmir Valley in the legislature was necessary as their problems are entirely different to those faced by the
Sikhs of Jammu division.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 50 lakhs grant from the Constituency Development fund and local area development funds of National Conference MLCs and Rajya Sabha members for the school.

He said he would consult the Finance and Planning Departments for further support to the Khalsa Education Society.

Lauding the Khalsa Education Society for maintaining secular credentials of the school since its inception in 1943, he said the students from all communities have been equally benefited by the school.

"You have kept the doors of your educational institution open to all without any consideration of religion, region or caste and that goes to your high credit," Abdullah
said.

PTI

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.