Baramulla, Oct 11: Members of the Sikh community and youth in Baramulla staged a peaceful sit-in protest at Nanak Bhawan, demanding the inclusion of Punjabi among the official languages of Jammu and Kashmir.

The protesters called for recognition of Punjabi, highlighting its linguistic, cultural and historical significance and the need to protect the language for future generations.
The demonstration brought together members of the Sikh community and local youth, who used the peaceful protest to draw attention to their demand for official recognition of Punjabi in the Union Territory.
The protesters maintained that Punjabi holds an important place in the region’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage. They urged the authorities to consider their demand and take appropriate steps towards granting the language official status.
The sit-in at Nanak Bhawan also highlighted broader concerns surrounding the preservation and promotion of linguistic diversity in Jammu and Kashmir, where different communities have long maintained distinct languages and cultural traditions.
The participants stressed the importance of safeguarding their linguistic identity and ensuring that Punjabi receives due consideration in the region’s language policy.
The peaceful demonstration reflects the community’s continuing demand for recognition and protection of its linguistic heritage. The protesters appealed to the authorities to address their concerns through dialogue and appropriate policy measures.