Prof Baljinder Singh, Amritsar
Uncertainty still haunts Punjab. It is almost one and half month since the National Front Government led by Mr. VP. Singh has assumed charge at the center. Firstly, it is clear that the government at the center is walking on the crutches of BJP and CPM, which Is a Conditional aid given by the later, Numerical strength of the Lok Sabha members Who have expressed commitment to Mr. V.P. Singh is well behind the two third majority, a statutory requirement for making any amendment in the constitution, which may be required in ultimate eventuality to bring around the Sikh youth in Punjab ‘cooperate with us, We have not come with a magic wand”,
Sincerity of his government to settle the decade old Punjab problem cannot be doubted specially in the context of Govt’s initiative to remove most controversial Governor. Mr. SS Ray, repealing ‘59th Amendment, to set up special courts to try 1984 rioters and stretching a hand of friendship to the people of Punjab, but these measures are definitely not good enough to sooth the hurt feelings of Sikhs and bring the youths back in to the main stream. Some bold steps are needed to create congenial atmosphere. One such has to be the assurance to the masses that the State machinery too would be law-abiding and erring officials constitution is » debatable issue, Recently Panthic Committee led by Dr. Sohan Singh, who has successfully knitted four major militant organizations(Le. Babbar Khalsa International, Khalistan Commando Force, Khalistan Liberation Force, AISSF Daljit Group) under his command, has decried the policies and Political Goal set by Mr. Mann and has warned him not to negotiate anything less than Khalistan. This is contrary to the claim of Mr. Mann made recently in an interview that he Is enjoying support of all militants outfits and can persuade them to observe a truce, knowledgeable sources, however, say that he is in the process of garnering support from militants not on the condition of dropping the demand of Khalistan rather to help him in getting something tangible for Sikhs from the present govt. It is yet to be seen how the militant bodies operating in Punjab and abroad react to the endeavor of Mr. Mann. Sources close to militants committed to Khalistan say that they are allergic to Indian constitution and its very name rubs salt on their wounds inflicted by Blue star Operation and Nov. 1984 riots against Sikhs. The positive development in Mann’s camp is that he has not faced slightest opposition from AISSF (Manjit) and Damdami Taksal. Second largest Akali Dal led by former Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, has, and on the mediation of Mr. Devi Lal accepted formally Mr. Mann as leader. In a secret parleys understanding has reached between Mr. Mann and Mr. Badal ‘on seat adjustment in next Assembly elections. As the thing stand today a section of militants believing in election politics will most likely join Alkali Dal (Mann) in Assembly elections as they did in Lok Sabha election, but militants committed to Khalistan would stay away from this type of politics.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 16, 1990
