CHANDIGARH, India: By virtually rejecting the demand of accepting Anandpur Sahib Resolution, the Sarkaria Commission has struck down the principal demands of the “Charter of Demands” presented to the Commission by Akali Dal (L). This “rejection” means a set back to Akali Dals particularly led by Surjit Singh Barnala, which has pleaded this resolution before the Commission.

The Commission in its report has not specifically mentioned the rejection of the demands and memorandum submitted by Barnala government and its political wing i.e. Akali Dal (L) but if the recommendations made to the Government by the Commission, are any indications the proposals has have been set aside. Although U.A.D. also shared the views of Akali Dal (L) on Anandpur resolution. But the U.A.D. did not appear before Sarkaria Commission and the demands submitted through memorandum by Akali Dal (L) could not get the support of any of the U.A.D. leaders, including Parkash Singh Badal. The constitution of Sarkaria Commission was one of the terms of RajivLongowal accord, which was extensively quoted by both the Akali Dals.

Article extracted from this publication >> February 5, 1988