NEW DELHE: Lt. General JS. Arora created a stir in the Rajya Sabha by saying that Operation Blue Star, the June °84 Indian Army assault on Golden Temple was ill conceived, ill-timed and badly planned.

Moved the resolution on ways to bring an end to the present situation in Punjab, he said thousands of Sikhs had been killed, and women dishonored by rampaging mobs led by ruling party workers during the 1984 riots.

He dubbed the Ranganath Commission report on the November 1984 violence as an eyewash but said even this commission had held some Congressmen responsible for the riots. Gen Aurora also said that second charge sheet in the Indira Gandhi murder case had vitiated the atmosphere and would give the sane voice a setback.

He suggested that the government should adopt Gandhian policy in Punjab, declare general am

nasty release all political prisoners. and punish those guilty of the 1984 riots.

These remarks created a furore the house with members saying House should not be misused to such “unfounded” allegations. Chisaid such remarks augured ill for parleys between the Government the Opposition on finding a soluto the problem.

He said district development would be set up in a day or two by Punjab Government as part of to bring about normalcy in the State.

Chidambaram however agreed the situation in the State had not to normal. “It will be naive to that is normal,” he added.

He expressed regret at the actions of various factions of the Akali Dal in not participating in discussions with the Cabinet Subcommittee on Punjab.

The Ministers intervention was by sharp exchanges between him Gen Aurora.

Gen Aurora objected to the made by the Minister that he was by facts” and “filled with preju He said the remark was personal demanded that the Minister with it.

Chidambaram maintained that was nothing unparliamentarily but was willing to withdraw “uniformed by facts” if Gen Aurora withdrew the expression “Congress mob” which he has used in his speech.

Gen Aurora however, agreed to change his expression “Congress mob” to “mob led by Congressmen” at which the minister maintained his stand.

After the Minister’s reply when Gen Aurora wanted to reply to the resolution, Deputy Chairman Najma Heptuall did not permit him as the time allotted for private members business was over.

Gen Aurora complained that he was not allowed to reply to personal criticisms made by the Ministers. The resolution also lapsed as the time allotted was over.

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 12, 1989