New Delhi: Amid uproar over the allegations of forced conversion of Sikh girls in Jammu and Kashmir, one of the missing girl was handed over to the family members. The 18 year old girl was then married to a Sikh by her family members. A picture of the wedding at a local Gurdwara has also been released by the Sikh community. Earlier the Sikh community had alleged that the girl was kidnapped and converted to Islam by a local named Shahid Nazir Ahmed. Ahmed was later arrested. However, the girl’s family claims that she was not married.
After the return of the girl, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that “Paying obeisance at Gurdwara Sri Bangla Sahib with Manmeet Kaur, the Sikh daughter from Kashmir who was forcibly converted. But her family fought for faith and justice and got her back. Manmeet Kaur has come to Delhi to take Guru Sahib’s blessings and thank the Sangat for their support.” He said that “we have succeeded in raising our voice against forced Nikah and Conversions happening in Kashmir. With the blessing of Guru Sahibs and thanks to the support of Sangat, Sikh daughter, Manmeet Kaur from Srinagar, who was forcefully converted is now back to her family. She is coming to Delhi with us today.”
Sisra said in his statement that he had raised the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha. Sirsa said that “Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to us over phone in the morning. He told us that he has been in touch with the Lieutenant Governor since Sunday and is monitoring the situation.”
On the other hand Shiromani Akali Dal Delhi President Paramjit Singh said that the girl was married to Sukhbir Singh today. They knew each other and there was no pressure or force used against the girl here. He thanked all the people who made the marriage possible. Paramjit Singh said that no marriage had taken place when asked about the girl’s married to a Muslim man following the allegations. He appealed to people to maintain the old communal harmony in Kashmir. he further added that “we do not want any anti conversion law as the majority community has to take care of the minority community.”
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa had alleged on Monday that four Sikh women were forcibly married and converted to Islam in Kashmir recently and demanded to return them to their families.
