NEW DELHI: A noted film star and Congress (I) MP Sunil Dutt virtually caused ripples in the Lok Sabha when he pleaded that Punjab should be renamed as Khalistan if this could satisfy the Sikh psyche.
Speaking on the Motion of Thanks on President’s Address moved by Buta Singh a former Home Minister Sunil Dutt said in the name of healing touch Punjab had got bullets CRPF Army and repression. He had travelled in Punjab extensively and even undertook a padyatra and was
Pleased to see that 90% people wanted peace in the state. He had even spoken to militants and others and they all said they did not want Khalistan
Sunil Dutt saw nothing wrong if Punjab could be renamed as Khalistan. What is wrong in it? If we can have Rajasthan Mizoram Nagaland why not Khalistan
He said Punjab was named because five rivers used to flow. But the truncated Punjab did not convey the same sentiments. Therefore it should be named Khalistan Dutt also said if there was peace in Punjab there would be peace in other parts of country as well.
He did make an impact and Chandra Shekhar and V.P.Singh who were also sitting in the House were seen thumping the desks after his speech however there was a slight uproar among the Congressmen and they visibly felt uneasy.
Sitaram Kesari Union Welfare Minister who was on roaster duty went up to Dutt and spoke to him for some time Similarly Buta Singh also went up to him. What transpired between them was not known. But Congressmen were certainly embarrassed.
Article extracted from this publication >> August 2, 1991
