SAD-BJP delegation seeks President Patil's intervention for Sikhs' safety in Kashmir

New Delhi, Aug.25 (ANI): A joint delegation of Shiromani Akali Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party called on President Pratibha Patil in the national capital on Wednesday to seek her intervention to ensure safety of Sikhs in Kashmir Valley.

Reportedly, some Kashmiri Sikhs received anonymous letters asking them to either embrace Islam and join the ongoing protests against civilian killings, or leave the valley altogether.

"We had come and requested the President that government of India should take a very serious note about it (threats) because members of Sikh community, Punjab, as well as Punjabis living in India and abroad are very worried. Government of India should take a serious note about it," said Punjab's Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to reporters after the meeting.

"If any incident happens, it can have big repercussions all over the country and world, that is why we request the Government of India to take serious note, and identify the elements behind those letters and bring them to the media. So that people of the country should know who are behind that, and strict action should be taken against the guilty."

Sukhbir said that Patil had assured them of the government's support.

On Friday, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee also gave an assurance to the Parliament that both-Centre and State Governments would take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of Sikhs in Jammu and Kashmir.

The 60,000-strong Sikh community is the single largest minority group in the Valley.

The Kashmir Valley is witnessing violence fuelled by separatist factions that forced the authorities to impose curfew frequently in several parts of the state. (ANI)