New Delhi: The Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi called upon the people of Punjab on December 5 to fight what he called “terrorism” as it was eroding the unity and the progress of the country. Inaugurating the World Punjab Congress in Delhi. Mr. Gandhi said there was need for creating awareness among the people against “terrorism” and the cult of violence and the center and the Punjab government was aware of the problem but it could not be dealt with at the administrative level alone. People also must catch all those indulging in violence and bring them to book. The P.M. said that “terrorist” had no religion. This was evident from the attack on the Head Priest of Golden Temple, Giani Sahib Singh within the precincts of the Temple and on the birthday of Guru Nanak. The P.M. said that the menance of “terrorism” have to be combated not only within the country but also outside as some persons there were spear heading a secessionist movement. They had become wayward because of their weak cultural link back home. He called upon the delegates from the foreign countries attending the Congress to raise their voice against such nefarious activities. Mr. Gandhi said that Punjab had faced many challenges and problems in the past. After the recent accord on Punjab, an atmosphere of goodwill was created. The recent elections were fought on the issue of extremism. The heavy turnout at the polling booths in spite of boycott call given by some men showed that people had rejected extremism.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 13, 1985
