CHANDIGARH: The president of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Haryana, Ram Bilas Sharma, and Saturday said the only way to curb Punjab militants now is to “bomb their training camps in Pakistan”. Indian leaders insist that Sikh freedom fighters get arms and training from Pakistan. This charge is denied by Pakistan.
Lashing out at the state government for its failure to provide security to the citizens, Sharma said his party workers are ready to take up the responsibility if the government supplies them with arms. He appealed to the Center against holding any talks with the militants as it would be like holding talks with “murderers”. He said that after the Tohana carnage, Bhajan Lal has no moral right to continue as chief minister.
Asked to comment on Devi Lal’s remarks at Hissar Friday that the Punjabi settlers in Haryana are Pakistanis, Sharma said his party is proud of the contribution made by the Punjabis towards development of the state.
Meanwhile, the Haryana Vikas Party president, Bansi Lal, in a statement condemned Devi Lal for describing Punjabi settlers as “Pakistani looters”. He said the people of Haryana, particularly the farmers, are wise and will not fall prey to the nefarious designs of Devi Lal.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 13, 1991
