The Punjabi language has been an important part of J&K. It was taught in schools & colleges until 1980s when reforms took place. It was an important language during Sikh & Dogra rule. The decision to exclude language is unfortunate. Here is what you can do to #SavePunjabi

In video is the Sikh man from Srinagar expressing his anger & disappointment. He says that he has studied punjabi in his college & school but now we are stripped off of our identity.

The exclusion of Punjabi has caused identity crisis among Punjabi speakers in JK because govt doesn’t identify them with Pahari or Dogri. Sikhs for example are denied Pahari category stating that it is language of Gujjars & Bakarwals Of JK & not Sikhs.

When asked for Pahari category Sikhs are told that they are Punjabi speaking which is fair enough, but then denying the Punjabi & excluding it from state’s official languages counts as ignoring the Community at large. Sikhs have held fort in Kashmir & deserve better treatment.

The exclusion of Punjabi & the Re-Organisation Bill has certain other issues as well including trespassing the assembly mandate. The State assembly will be final judge to choose languages. The bill also has sparked other groups like Gojri speakers etc. https://m.thewire.in/article/government/jammu-and-kashmir-official-languages-bill

Organisation Sikh Youth Of JK has written a letter to @manojsinha_ Sahib requesting him to include Punjabi in the list. Many Sikh Organisations including SGPC has written to centre to reconsider the move that is not in best interests of people. #SavePunjabi

The overwhelming response of people of all religions supporting the cause of punjabi language gives me hope. Here is what you can do, write an email requesting governor to include Punjabi as official language & send it to [email protected] with Save Punjabi language in Subject.

I urge you to connect with your local Gurdwaras & get letters published by Gurdwara presidents requesting @HMOIndia to consider including Punjabi as an official language in J&K. The letters can be sent at Ministry of Home Affairs
North Block
New Delhi - 110001
India
#SavePunjabi

I request @HarsimratBadal_ , @DrJitendraSingh Ji, @PrakashJavdekar Ji, @kansalrohit69 ji to kindly intervene & help us save the language from getting extinct in J&K. #SavePunjabi