PHILLAUR: The Khalsa March, organized by the Damdami Taksal scheduled later this week, will be banned by the state government in case it turns out to be political in nature, the Punjab Chief Minister, Beant Singh said.
The Chief Minister said that Akalis were not interested in peace in the state and were indulging in all kinds of gimmicks.
The Chief Minister said that a complete inquiry would be conducted into the alleged incident of assault on journalists in Ludhiana by the police and the guilty would be brought to book. Lauding the role of the Punjab police, the Chief Minister said that they had displayed exemplary courage and made great sacrifices in eliminating militancy in the last 10 years. He said that the success of the police in crushing the movement had elevated its image tremendously and its men were in demand all over the country, whether it was for fighting military. Naxalites or conducting peaceful elections.
Replying to a query as to why Gurcharan Singh Tohra president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, was provided “Z” security if the Congress thought that he was the chief trouble-maker in the state, Beant Singh said that the government had to accede to Tohra’s demand lest the blame fell on the government in case of any eventuality. He commented that Tohra was maintaining double standards. On the one hand, he was enjoying government protection and, on the other, he was still helping the anti-social elements. New scheme for women staff.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 17, 1995
