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Tarlochan warns Sikh youth on migrant labourers
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 4
National Commission for Minorities Chairperson Tarlochan Singh today warned the Sikh youth that migrant labour from Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh would soon outnumber them if they continued to be indifferent to semi-skilled jobs.

Delivering the Bir Memorial Lecture organised by the Atam Science Trust at India International Centre here today, he chose the theme — Sikh youth at the crossroads — to call upon the unemployed Sikh youth to explore opportunities in the farm sector instead of sitting idle. He said around 18 lakh Sikh youth in Punjab were unemployed.

What is noteworthy is that 15 lakh labourers from three states have chosen the prosperous state to earn their livelihood. Mr Tarlochan Singh, said adding that Sikhs will be reduced to a minority in their own state if they don’t assert their legitimate claim for employment in the farm sector and semi-skilled jobs in Punjab. “This will lead to political turmoil,” he warned.

He expressed concern over growing addiction to drugs among the adults in Punjab. He said the Sikh youth were to be blamed for unemployment as they were not adopting the culture of self-help.

Questioning the role of the Sikh gurdwara management committees, the Chairperson said they spent time on infighting and elections instead of educating the younger generation on the Sikh dharma.

Mr Tarlochan Singh said the current trends were disturbing. The Sikh youth today were getting their hair cut. “This is forbidden in Sikh religion.” He stressed the need to revive the folklore and culture of Punjab.