GURDASPUR: Describing the Anandpur Sahib resolution as a secessionist statement, the Punjab Chief Minister, Beant Singh, criticized a section of the Akali Dal, which was clamoring for implementation of the resolution. Talking to newsmen here, Beant Singh said the state government would abide by the Sarkaria Commission report in matters of Center-state relations According to him, supporting the Anandpur Sahib resolution would amount to capitulating to the demand for Khalistan,
Beant Singh said Tohra had lost his credibility as his political stands were generally taken at the behest of expediency.
According to him, the Sikh youth who would give up the path of violence would be properly rehabilitated. He reiterated that the akali rally was banned at Ludhiana to prevent akali leaders from making inflammatory speeches. He denied that police had entered into Alaraghir gurdwara in Ludhiana. Akali leaders, he said, were arrested outside the gurdwara. He again challenged Tohras claim that militants were not hiding in gurdwaras, He said he could supply Tohra with the list of gurdwaras being used as hideouts.
The Chief Minister said the panchayats elections would be held within six months after municipal polls, These elections would be followed by elections to Panchayat samitis and zila parishads.
Beant Singh said he stood for freedom of the Press. He accused the BJP of playing double game, On the one hand, they condemned Akalis in their press statements, on the other hand, they entered into election pacts with them,
Article extracted from this publication >> September 11, 1992
