AMRITSAR: The most recent secret talks between Government of India with the group led by detained leaders of AISSF and a section of Damdami Taksal as disclosed by India Week, in a recently started news magazine and also reported in the last issue of World Sikh News are still in progress.
There is a proposal to give Punjab a special status like the one provided to J&K by making an amendment to the constitution. It is also learnt that the Sikh group has asked for an governor elected by an electoral college of state legislature and Municipal corporations instead of centrally appointed governor as at present. This will provide a check on increasing central intervention in state matters such as the recent dismissal of elected Karnataka government.
There is a growing evidence indication that Delhi might be holding talks with the other dissidents groups. The sustained calls issued from time to time to repose full faith in the Taksal and the unity of freedom fighters are like the one’s given at the time of Rajiv Longowal accord to repose full faith in Harchand Singh Longowal and again in Prof Darshan Singh Ragi at the time of Ragi and Sushil muni talks. Similar statements appeared at the time of release of Bhai Jasbir Singh Rode.
The Panthic Committee led by Baba Manchal and some Sikh Intelligentsia have their doubts on the sincerity of the government of India, They feel the Rajiv Government is not serious in resolving the Punjab problem. They think that this government’s move is to destroy the credibility of Dam Dami Taksal just as they have destroyed the credibility of Akal Takhat Jathedars though various moves in the past.
According to political observers the center policy with regard to Punjab problem is summed up as follows. 1.No talks whatsoever with armed freedom fighters and no recognition to them.
- Talks with only those among. youth who have eschewed violence and are not armed.
- No political talk with youth released from Jodhpur jail except on the subject of rehabilitation and employment.
- Talks with groups only by the police officers with bayonets in their hands.
- The talks to be held only with established Akali leadership and that too on government of India’s terms exclude the grant of right to river waters of Punjab as at present provided by the constitution.
According to the political observer the current move of the government of India to hold talks with Dam Dami Taksal was to divide a wedge between various freedom fighters groups to identify their aims and objects and to assess their strength. That was precisely what was done by the intelligence agencies when they held talks with Prof Darshan Singh who inturn involved some militant outfits. The current talks with the of Dam Dami Taksal ad representatives of government of India are known to centre around the issues other than the restoration of Punjab constitution powers.
A vague assurance is said to haye been given as the status at present is being enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir will be given to Punjab.
There is a great deal of cleavage between various groups of militants in Punjab on the issue of talks with the government of India. Even in the Dam Dami Taksal there is apparent friction on this issue of talks with the government of India.
Article extracted from this publication >> June 2, 1989
