LUDHIANA: The veteran Akali leader, Mr Surjun Singh Thekedar, who arrived here on Jan 21, after his release from the Tiruchitapalli jail in Tamil Nadu, has made a fervent appeal to all Akali leaders to sink their differences and forge unity.
Talking to reporters, Mr. Thekedar said that all veteran leaders, Baba Joginder Singh, Mr Sunt Singh Barnala, Baba Thakur Singh and Mr. Jagdev Singh Talwandi should sit together and forma united party.
Speaking about his future plans, the former acting president of Akali Dal said he would make all efforts to bring about Panthic unity at this crucial juncture when the backbone of the Panth was breaking and Sikh youths were being killed.
Hold Talks with Youth. Mr, Thekedar urged the Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, to hold talks with the Sikh youths as this alone, and not bullets could restore place in the troubled state, He saw no reason why a dialogue could not be initiated with the Sikhs when rebels like Subhash Ghising and Laldenga have been brought to power in their states.
Mr. Thekedar demanded the immediate release of all Akali Leaders and Sikh youth who are currently in jail.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 17, 1989
