CHANDIGARH, India: The Punjab Governor, Sidharath Shankar Ray held that the Punjab problem was not of law and order and that the Prime Minister was right in calling it a political problem. Speaking at the ‘meeting of the press function at the Chandigarh Press Club, Mr. Ray said that treating of the Punjab problem as law and order issue will only provide a temporary solution. The problem is a difficult ‘one and no instant solution can be placed on the table, In a reply to a question he said the problem is not the same as in West Bengal where there was no psychological and religious dimensions to it. Asked to spell out what is meant by the problem as political, the Governor declined to give a direct answer and asked the newsmen to contact the Chief Minister. When a newsman persisted, he refused to divulge what was in his mind. Mr. Ray reiterated that those working for separation from India were mistaken and living in a fool’s paradise as not even a fraction of territory will be allowed to scedeViolence could not be accepted as legitimate means to achieve anything.
“The path adopted by the misguided youth on guidance from outside sources would not result in a solution” he said.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 19, 1986
