Raising concern over a range of unresolved issues affecting the Sikh community, representatives of various Sikh organisations have sought the intervention of the Union Home Ministry to facilitate dialogue and ensure resolution within the constitutional framework.Addressing a press conference, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib and convener of the Panthic Talmel Sangathan, Giani Kewal Singh, stated that a collective voice has been raised to urge the Centre to engage with Sikh stakeholders on longstanding Panthic concerns that continue to remain unaddressed.He emphasised that meaningful dialogue with the community is essential to restore confidence and address grievances.A key issue highlighted was the growing challenges faced by Sikhs in practising their religious identity, particularly concerning the wearing of the kirpan.Giani Kewal Singh pointed out that Sikhs are increasingly viewed with suspicion for carrying religious symbols, both within India and abroad. He cited instances where Amritdhari students were denied entry into examination halls for wearing the kirpan.Stressing the need for clarity and sensitivity, he called upon the government of India to issue strict and uniform guidelines to uphold constitutional protections of religious freedom and to promote awareness about Sikh religious mandates.The leaders also drew attention to the condition of historically significant Sikh shrines, including Mangu Math and Gyan Godri in Haridwar, which are associated with Sikh Gurus but are currently under alleged illegal occupation. They demanded that these sites be freed from encroachment and restored to the Sikh community for preservation and development as heritage memorials.Another major concern raised relates to the artefacts, rare manuscripts, and Sikh literature taken into custody by the Indian Army during Operation Blue Star in 1984. The representatives urged the Union government to take steps toward their return, describing it as essential for preserving the community’s historical and spiritual legacy.Advocate Navkiran Singh highlighted the issue of Sikh political prisoners who continue to remain incarcerated despite completing their sentences. He also called for the abolition of the blacklist restricting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), seeking that they be allowed to visit their homeland and religious sites without hindrance.Referring to commitments made during the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, he noted that promised relief measures, such as commuting the death sentence of Balwant Singh Rajoana and the release of prisoners like Davinder Pal Singh Bhullar, have not materialised.Sikh scholar Gurpreet Singh stressed that addressing these concerns is critical not only for safeguarding Sikh identity and heritage but also for upholding the principles of justice, equality, and constitutional rights in a pluralistic society.The delegation informed that a memorandum listing 12 key demands was submitted to the Union Home Ministry on May 15, seeking time-bound action.Concerns were also raised over institutional and legislative issues affecting Sikh governance. They pointed to the prolonged delay in elections to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), with the last polls held in 2011.They further argued that the century-old Sikh Gurdwaras Act, 1925, requires urgent revision to align with contemporary needs, stating that its current framework no longer adequately reflects present-day realities.Additionally, they underscored the partial implementation of the Anand Marriage Act of 1909, calling for its expansion beyond mere registration provisions to encompass broader aspects of marriage-related matters within the Sikh community.