CHANDIGARE: The rise of Hindu terrorism perceptible in the urban Punjab, has imparted a new dimension to the State’s problems already complicated by the stalemate over the Akali demands.
There are three main organizations which have taken it upon themselves to teach Sikhs a lesson. They are Hindu Suraksha Samiti (HSS), Punjab Hindu Shiv Sena (PHSS) and Hindu Rashtriya Sang than (HRS), among them the PHSS is acquiring a wide base in the State attracting both the affluent and the poor alike. However, there are signs of tussle over the leadership.
Terrorism of urban Hindus has had an effect and consequently the small Hindu population in certain rural areas feels insecure. The plan of these organizations is to form a nucleus in towns which are the sale and purchase centers for villages. In villages, however, the Sikh population has been extending the required protection to the few Hindu families.
‘What has contribution to the growth of these organizations is the apathy of the police. One also hears the question why the Government is so lenient with the killers whether Sikh or Hindu?
The activists of these organizations are drawn from all parties having sizable following among the Hindus. These parties include the Congress I the BJP, the Janta Party and even the Lok Dal. The State Government has information that some Congress I leaders in urban areas are giving patronage to these organizations.
The intelligence agencies of the government have reportedly been following the activities of these organizations right from their inception. It is also known to them that prominent Hindus belonging to various political and nonpolitical organizations had planned as far back as 1983 to organize a front, the very first meeting ended in fiasco as some representatives whose views were not given preference walked out. The efforts continued later but without much success.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 6, 1990
