Sikhs not to leave Kashmir

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU, FEB. 12. Uncertainty over the future course of action by the shell-shocked Sikh community ended today, when a group of prominent members, after a meeting with senior leaders of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, decided against migrating from the Kashmir Valley.

The decision came after consultations between the Sikhs led by Bhai Ranjit Singh, former Akal Takht Jathedar, and the APHC's Mohammad Yaseen Malik and Mr. Abdul Gani Lone. The Democratic Freedom Party chief, Mr. Shabir Shah, also participated in the talks.

According to an agreement reached at a Srinagar hotel, a committee of Sikh leaders representing district gurdwara boards in the Valley, along with some APHC leaders, would tour the 162 villages were Sikhs live.

The Central team led by Mr. Ranjit Singh would visit the State after ten days, when the committee will submit its findings. The Sikh leaders said they were encouraged by the assurances given by the APHC and the DFP over the last two days. The two sides would work for communal harmony and would foil the designs of those bent on driving a wedge between the two communities. Mr. Malik reiterated that ``the Sikhs will migrate only over our dead bodies''.

Others who attended the meeting were Mr. Gurcharan Singh Tohra, president SAD, Mr. H. S. Gill, president AISSF, Mr. S. S. Wazir, president, Jammu and Kashmir Gurdwara Prabandhak Board, Mr. Jasbir Singh, Mr. Ranjit Pal Singh, Mr. Harbans Manjpoor and Mr. Harinder Singh. The DFP's Mohammad Abdullah Taari and Hakim Abdur Rasheed were also present.

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