SIKH RESERVATION FOR SC
Now the other case is that of the Sikhs. I
have always held the Sikh community with considerable respect, regard and
admiration. I have been their friend even though sometimes they disclaimed me.
On this occasion also i did advise them that if they insisted I sill give it to
them and induce the Committee to agree. But I do feel that this is not in their
interests. It is for them to decide. I leave it to them. to ask for this
concession for the Scheduled Caste Sikhs does not reflect credit on the Sikh
community. They quoted Ranjit Singh who gave such help to the Scheduled Castes.
What empire did they hold, the Scheduled Castes? They have been the most
down-trodden people, absolute dust with the dust. What is their position today
in spite of all our tall talk?
That is what the Scheduled Castes
are. They are not people who keep kirpans. They are a different lot. But to
keep a kirpan or a sword and to entertain fear is inconsistent. This may react
detrimentally to your cause. I do not grudge this concession to the Sikhs. I
will ask the Sikhs to take control of the country and rule. They may be able to
rule because they have got the capacity, they have got the resources and they
have got the courage. In any field, either in agriculture, in engineering or in
the army, in any walk of life you have proved your mettle. Why do you being to
think low of yourself? That is why I am asking the Scheduled Caste people also
to forget that they are Scheduled Castes. Although it is difficult for them to
forget it, it is not difficult for the Sikhs to do so. Therefore, when you
acknowledge with gratefulness the concession that we have given, I am grateful
to you. In this country we want the atmosphere of peace and harmony now, not of
suspicion but of trust. We want to grow. India today is suffering from want of
blood. It is completely anaemic.
Comments
Post a Comment