CHANDIGARH: The Punjab situation in the next two months will decide if elections were possible in the state the union home minister Mufti Sayeed said here. Though an ideal situation was no prerequisite for elections, the atmosphere should be such that people could vote: freely and not at gun point the Mufti told a press conference.
He admitted that the steps taken at his last meeting at the Raj Bhavan two months ago were not satisfactory. Referring to the Akali Dal M demand for elections, he said why did those who wanted a democratic setup shied away from the responsibility to help create a peaceful atmosphere. Instead of marching in Punjab, they should condemn militants; he said referring to Mann’s current program.
Answering questions on the possibility of a dialogue with militants, Mufti said there could be no dialogue on their terms. Dialogue ‘was an acceptable means of setting any dispute as no one could claim to be the only right thinker, but in no case can talks be held compromising the unity and integrity of the country , he said
Mufti regretted that the National Front government had extended a hand of friendship but there were no takers. The government had fulfilled its promises on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, army deserters and had released Atinderpal Singh MP. He, however, did not however mention the river water dispute.
Article extracted from this publication >> July 13, 1990
