APSCC terms SC decision on minority status in J&K as detrimental for Sikhs

Srinagar, Mar 14 : All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) on Wednesday termed the decision of Supreme Court on setting up of National Minorities Commission in the state as detrimental to the interests of Sikh community living in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said, ''If the central laws like Goods & Services Tax (GST) can be implemented in the state what is stopping the Jammu and Kashmir government in extending the recommendations of National Minorities Commission in the state.''

He said humanitarian aspect has been overlooked by the apex court while delivering its verdict on the issue of minorities in the state.

''The verdict is no less than injustice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially with the members of Sikh community. The top court of the country should have been guided by the human angle but they have not done so much to the discomfiture of the common masses,'' Mr Raina said.

The APSCC chairman said they would approach the Election Commission and lodge a complaint with regard to non-fulfilment of the promises made to the Sikh community by the Peoples Democratic Party in the state with regard to granting of minority status to Sikhs of Jammu & Kashmir.

“This is despite the fact that the same was incorporated in the election manifesto of 2014 elections in the state,” he added.