Delegation demands separate status for Sikhs in Constitution

A delegation of Sikhs today submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking amendment in Article 25 (b) of Constitution which recognises Sikhs as a part of Hindu community.
The delegation, led by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee's president Manjit Singh GK, demanded that Sikhism be treated as an independent religion.
The members also demanded removal of names of a large number of Sikhs living in foreign countries from the blacklist of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) saying that they went abroad to earn their livelihood and that they have been blacklisted for no fault of their own.
"The third generation of these families are being stopped from entering India for no fault of their own. They want to visit their country, the places of their forefathers and religious places," he said while demanding visas for such families and removal of their names from the list.

The delegation also demanded release of a large number of Sikhs languishing in different jails in the country.
"Sikhs have played vital role in protecting borders of the country, fighting for nation's freedom and have been playing key role in development of the country, but despite that their genuine demands were suppressed," Manjit said.

The memorandum also noted that exceptions have been made in the recent past when extremists from Kashmir and North Eastern states have been released and rehabilitated.
The delegation appreciated the Narendra Modi government for taking steps to address their issues and also praised the recent statement by Home Minister Rajnath Singh that the anti-Sikh riots of 1984 was a 'genocide'.

"So far we are awaiting justice. We have big hopes from the Prime Minister who is leading NDA government of which Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) is also a part and we are sure demands of the Sikhs will be fulfilled in time bound manner," the memorandum said.