CHANDIGARH: The Akali Dal (Badal) has demanded the creation of a self-governing autonomous Stale in the north of the country where the Sikhs could experience the glow of freedom.
The party elections manifesto released here on Saturday demanded that the constitution be redrafted as it was a document of betrayal of faith of the Sikhs.
The three-page manifesto said India should be federation of states granting full powers to the states except in matters of defence foreign affairs currency and communication
The political goal defined in the manifesto is the same as outlined in the Anandpur Sahib resolution
Elaborating it the manifesto said the states created within the country in the federal structure should have the freedom to determine its own destiny with provision to seek affiliation with international community institutions and bodies to enter into international agreements and contacts in the international trade and other treaties for education and scientific development whereby the state may derive maximum benefits in the overall development and welfare of the people.
The party promised to ensure equality before law dispensation of equal law to all its citizens without any discrimination on the basis of caste creed religion sector area.
The party declared that it would declare general amnesty free all jailed Sikh activists besides compensating them liberally. They would be rehabilitated with dignity and respect.
The manifesto said the officials responsible for directly committing crimes against the Sikhs or their abettors or policy makers would be tied and brought to justice Act.
The party committed itself the overhaul of education system direct general education and making arrangements for technical oriented education
The party also promised creation of special state fund for farmer’s industrial development improvement in health facilities and medical care and eradication of corruption in public life
Article extracted from this publication >> June 14, 1991
