Inclusion of Punjabi as official language sought

Jammu, 5-September-2020

Independent corporators in Jammu Municipal Corporation today expressed their annoyance over exclusion of Punjabi from the list of official languages in J&K.
Addressing a joint press conference, here today, the corporators expressed happiness over the inclusion of Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri and English in official languages of J&K, UT. However, at the same they strongly condemned the exclusion of Punjabi language from the official languages of J&K, UT. They termed it very unfortunate.
They said, �There is a deep-rooted conspiracy to eliminate the Punjabi culture from J&K, UT which will not be tolerated at any cost. The Punjabi is being taught in different colleges, universities etc. Punjabi language was a compulsory subject. This identity was eroded after 1980. Exclusion of Punjabi language from official languages is another attack on Sikh identity is J&K, UT.�
�There are some elements who are hell-vent to dilute the Punjabi culture in J&K, UT which will not tolerate at any cost. The Corporators appealed to people of J&K, UT to come on one platform to fight against this discrimination.
It is worthwhile to mention here that Punjabi culture including its language is known throughout the world. It is the fifth most famous religion of the world. The Punjabi are known for their scarification. We appeal to Govt. of India to include Punjabi language in the bill which will be tabled in coming monsoon session going to be started on 14th Sept 2020 alongwith Urdu, Hindi, Kashmiri, English and Dogri. Otherwise the people of J&K, UT will come on roads, lodges protect and start agitation and Govt. of India as well as L.G. Administration will be responsible for the consequences.�
Those who addressed the press conference included Ashok Singh Manhas, Shamlal Basson, Inder Singh Sudan, Prof, Yudhvir Singh, S, Sucha Singh, Amit Gupta.