Setting priorities: LG candidate all set to bring minority rights to the fore

Radesh Singh Tony is vying for reserved seat for minorities in Kotla Mohsin Khan UC 32

PESHAWAR: Radesh Singh Tony, a 45-year-old Sikh candidate from the provincial capital, is all set to be the beacon that leads minorities to a brighter future.

He is vying for a reserved seat for minorities from Kotla Mohsin Khan union council 32, a congested neighbourhood in the city. Tony is among the 349 non-Muslim candidates who will contest election on 3,339 seats reserved for minorities in neighbourhood and village councils.

The aspirant is likely to represent the five Hindus, three Sikhs and five Christians who live in the region.

“The polls will provide me with a great opportunity to work towards their betterment and resolve the problems they are facing,” Tony told The Express Tribune.

Finding faith in politics

With an undergraduate degree in art from the University of Peshawar and an IT business of his own, Tony represents a breed of educated professionals who are turning to politics to ramp up support for minority rights.

Over the years, a large number of minorities’ seats have fallen vacant. “A major reason behind this is a lack of political awareness, education and poverty,” the 45-year-old leader said. “All these factors have kept people at bay from politics and prevented power from being transferred to the grass-roots level.”

According to Tony, many non-Muslims in the city have been compelled to live in dire straits and do not have access to education.

“They seldom realise the importance of elections and politics in altering the course of their lives,” he added.

Tough competition

Tony has gained considerable support from his family. His four brothers have actively assisted him during his campaign.

Although he has faced tough competition from Kabir Das, a Hindu candidate in the neighbourhood, the 45-year-old has not buckled under pressure. As the chairman of the Pakistan Sikh Community, he has vociferously championed the cause of his community.

“Our first priority is to provide clean drinking water, dispensaries in the area and upgrade schools,” he said. “Both Muslims and non-Muslims in the area are living like brothers and I will work towards everyone’s benefit.”

The lack of participation of minorities in the LG polls has raised countless concerns.

K-P Peace Education and Development Foundation Programme Manager Tariq Hayat Khan told The Express Tribune representatives of minority groups must enjoy full access to participate in the political sphere. “Protection of minority rights can be achieved by adopting a sensitive approach and including non-Muslims in the public sphere,” he said.

Khan added the limited participation of minorities in LG elections is a complex matter which needs to be addressed.

“There are a series of administrative, economic and social security issues which impede minorities’ access to representation,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2015.