JALANDHAR: India’s external affairs minister IK Gujral says the center would hold talks with a representative Govt of Punjab.
In an interview with Ajita local daily, Gujral said the Govt would try to hold elections in the state before Nov 11 this year. He said the Janata Govt was not keen on putting off polls but only on ensuring free and fair elections.
Gujral said the BJP suggestion of sealing the Indo Pak border completely was not possible. An uninhabited belt also would not be of much use. It would also cause problems of resettlement.
LUDHIANA: Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal Tuesday said “a popular government” would be installed in Punjab within six months and there was no chance for further extension of president’s rule in the state.
Devi Lal, who had come to enquire about the health of SGPC President GS Tohra told newsmen that new initiatives would be taken to bring normalcy in the state.
Devi Lal was accompanied by federal industry minister Ajit Singh and federal deputy minister for parliamentary affairs, Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Tohra, who survived an assassination bid late Sunday night, is undergoing treatment in the Mohandai Oswal Memorial Hospital.
“No talks could be held to resolve Punjab problem at gun point,” Devi Lal said ruling out talks with militants.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 11, 1990
