JAMMU, January 6: General Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee and DDC Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony today sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government at the Centre for giving step motherly treatment to the Punjabi language in the Union Territory.
In a statement issued here today, the senior Congress leader said that the BJP government’s blatant disregard for the rich cultural heritage and linguistic identity of the Punjabi people is deeply disappointing and unacceptable. He said Punjabi is not just a language spoken by a small minority in J&K; it has a historical significance and is an integral part of the cultural fabric of our Union Territory. Excluding it from the 8th Schedule is a deliberate attempt to marginalize and silence the Punjabi community, he added.
Tony highlighted the significant contribution of the Punjabi community to the social, economic, and political development of J&K. He pointed out that Punjabis have been at the forefront of various industries, businesses, and professions in the UT, contributing immensely to its prosperity. He also emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, further strengthening the case for the inclusion of Punjabi in the 8th Schedule.
“The government at the Centre must immediately rectify this grave injustice and accord Punjabi its rightful place in the 8th Schedule. This will not only fulfill the long-standing demand of the Punjabi community but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to respecting the diverse linguistic tapestry of our nation,” he added.
The senior Congress leader asserted that his party will stand firmly with the Punjabi community in their fight for linguistic recognition. He urged the government of India to reconsider its decision and take necessary steps to include Punjabi in the 8th Schedule at the earliest.
“J&K is a land of diverse cultures and languages, and each one deserves to be respected and nurtured. The BJP government’s discriminatory approach towards Punjabi is not only insensitive but also detrimental to the unity and harmony of our Union Territory. We, in the Congress party, will continue to raise our voice against this injustice and fight for the rightful recognition of Punjabi language in J&K,” he added.
