Parkash Singh Badal writes to PM on security of Sikhs in Kashmir

In the wake of the ongoing turmoil in the Kashmir Valley, Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal today sought the intervention of the prime minister Manmohan Singh to ensure security to the Sikh community there.

In a letter to the prime minister, Badal apprised him of the gravity of situation in the Valley and said the community is feeling unsafe following incidents like stone-pelting.

He demanded the provision of security cover to members of the community in Jammu and Kashmir so that they "stay back and do not leave the Valley".

There have been incidents of assault and stone-pelting against the Sikhs which are a matter of concern, he said in the letter.

"The Sikh community in the Valley, which believes in peace, tranquility and harmony, is feeling unsafe on account of these unfortunate incidents. The community has always stood like a rock against all odds and maintained the social fabric during the peak period of militancy," the letter further read.