Jammu, Sept 11: Expressing dissent against the alleged discrimination meted out to certain section of minority community in flood affected Kashmir, various Sikh organizations under the banner of Social Organization for Universal Living (SOUL) today staged a protest demonstration at Press club Jammu, wherein protestors raised anti-state and anti-government slogans. Supported by Nirbhao-Nirvair Organisation (NNO), Jammu Kashmir Sikh Professional (JKSP), Khalsa Aid and Akal Sahai, Sikhs castigated state-administration for adopting pick -choose policy in rescuing people.
Taking dig at the remarks of chief minister, Omar Abdullah of "Focus on Rehabilitation", a flood victim from Kashmir, Amarjeet Singh said that instead of focusing on rehabilitation, state government must put all machinery into rescuing people stuck at various places.
"The situation is grim in Kashmir and people are struggling for lives as rescue teams installed by civil societies are rescuing particular community, thus putting other lives on stake. I have witnessed people from particular community begging for life, but had been snubbed," said Amarjeet Singh. President SOUL, Pardeep Singh Bali said that people at prime locations are still trapped without food and water. "This is very unfortunate that people are saving Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus on priority, We have received reports that locals, who are guiding rescue teams are inclined towards particular community, which is not tolerable in this condition," said Pardeep Singh Bali, adding that Sikh families are being discriminated by the rescue teams and still are trapped at various places including Jawahr Nagar, Alouchabagh, Lal Chowk, Wazir Bagh and other such places.
Expressing satisfaction with the work of civil defence volunteers, especially Khalsa Aid and Jammu Kashmir Sikh Professionals, Pardeep Singh said our volunteers are doing commendable job by carrying out relief and rescue operations at their own.
Score of Sikhs resented government role in hampering rescue operations. NNO General Secretary, Ramneek Singh alleged that civil rescue volunteers are not being allowed to enter certain places. "Instead of supporting these volunteers, government is not allowing volunteers to enter certain areas, which thus hamper the rescue operations."
Meantime a member of JKSP, Ranjit Singh said that they are not asking for any kind of help from state government, but atleast state government should allow Sikh volunteers, who are professional to handle disasters to reach every corner for the rescue. We request state government to kindly allow civil volunteers to execute their work of rescue without any hindrances. Among those present in this protest included Harjeet Singh, Harmeet Singh, Manjeet Singh, Parmeet Singh, Balwinder Singh and many others. |
