Sikh Bodies Question Silence Of JRL Over Tral Killing

Srinagar: Representatives of Sikh community on Saturday questioned silence of Joint Resistance Leadership over killing of a youth from the community by unidentified gunmen in Tral.

“We demand that those involved in the killings should be exposed. Kashmiri Sikhs are part and parcel of Kashmir and we have always stood shoulder to shoulder with our Kashmiri Muslim brothers,” said Jagmohan Singh Raina, chairman All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee, during a program at Chatipadshahi in Rainawari here to celebrate Gurupurab, birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Guru of Sikhs.

Unidentified gunmen killed Simranjeet Singh (29) son of Nanak Singh at his native Khasipora village of Tral in south Kashmir on January 3. Singh had received bullet injuries in his abdomen and chest in the attack and later succumbed at a hospital here.

Condemning the killing, Gurdwara Parbandak Committee, Budgam, joint secretary Manjit Singh demanded a high level probe into the “cold blooded murder”.

“We want to know why an innocent person (Simranjeet) was killed. The elder brother of deceased has resigned from the post of Sarpanch two months ago…Hurriyat leadership must also speak up on this killing,” he said.

Meanwhile the Gurupurab was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion across Kashmir. Celebrations were held in local Gurdwaras in various areas including Amira Kadal, Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Barzulla, Tral, Rangreth, Patten and Baramulla. The main function was held at Chatipadshahi where hundreds of devotees paid obeisance.

Various Sikh organizations have greeted people especially Sikhs of J&K on the auspicious occasion. “We should follow foot prints of Gobind Singh Ji and learn from his sacrifices which he made for humanity,” they said.

Authorities had made arrangement for special bus service in different areas where Sikhs live for ferrying them to Gurudwaras. These buses ferried devotees to different Guduwaras from Chanapora, Mehjoor Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Allochibagh, Sanat Nagar and other parts of the city.

Reports of celebrations were also received from Ladakh and Jammu regions. Governor, Satya Pal Malik and others have greeted people on the auspicious occasion.