NEW DELHI: The Indian government tightened security on August 29 the eve of the opposition sponsored Bharat bandh. Eight thousand preventive arrests have been reported from all parts of the country. Security personnel stood guard at vital installations.
The bandh (general strike) has been called by the major opposition parties to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi over the Bofors deal kick back issue.
The bandh is being seen as a major show of political strength on the eve of the general election due later this year. All government employees have been warned against absenting themselves from duty.
With threats of suspension hanging over their heads like a sword of Damocles thousands of government employees stayed back in their offices overnight. A warning circular issued by the government to ensure full attendance evoked memories of the emergency of 1975 in which all civil liberties were suspended.
Rooms in nearby hotels were booked for women employees most of whom have stayed back in fear of losing their jobs. A few however walked off angrily saying the “government was not worthy of such loyalty.” One said she “was not a slave and that her family was more important. I don’t care if I am sacked. My kids are more important.”
Article extracted from this publication >> September 1, 1989
