Srinagar, Sep 02 (KNS): Reacting to the exclusion of Punjabi language from the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020, All Party Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) chairman and JK Apni Party leader Jagmohan Singh Raina has described the move as anti-minority saying that Punjabi was very much part of the Jammu and Kashmir constitution.
The Apni Party leader said that Punjabi was a part and parcel of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir before the abrogation of Article 370. He said that Punjabi was a recognized language duly certified by the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement to KNS, Raina said that the move has badly bruised the sentiments of minorities more so those belonging to the Sikh community. He said that Punjabi is a popular language in Jammu and Kashmir spoken by lakhs of people.
"By excluding the Punjabi language the Government of India has taken an extreme step that is bound to cause resentment among the minorities in Jammu and Kashmir. The move is anti-minority and it is natural that people would react sharply to the same," said Raina.
The Apni Party leader demanded that amendment should be made in the bill and Punjabi should be included in Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill 2020. He warned of dire consequences in case the same is not done.