A close examination of the resolution adopted at the Akali conference at Takht Keshgarh Sahib, shows that the issues and subjects listed are almost similar yet distinctive in respect of political projections and demands. Though both have demanded better remunerative prices for the farmers, Mann’s party went a step ahead when it burnt, as a token of strong protest against the government’s anti-farmer attitude and policies, wheat, sugarcane and cotton; in fact, it also burnt an effigy of the government.
Both Dals talks of safeguarding interest of farmers’ land, which was being usurped by being acquired for industrial use without farmers getting proper market rate price. In fact, as Mr, Parkash Singh said, there should be 25% additional price for the farmers by way of dispossession and dislocation.
The two Akali Dals want “simultaneous” elections to Parliament and state Vidhan Sabha, which were boycotted by the two dals.
While the resolution of Mr, Parkash Singh’s party is silent on the demand for release of detained Sikhs, police excesses, quality before law of those who break rules. On punishment to perpetrators of anti-Sikh riots of 1964, there is a strong demand for all these issues in the resolutions adopted at Mr. Mann’s conference.
In fact, Mr, Mann’s resolution wants a “no war” pact signed with Pakistan and advocates India sign the nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It also talks of punishment” to those police officers who have committed atrocities, and promises to withdraw unnecessary privileges perks enjoyed by the police.
It has rejected the Punjab accord and shall not allow a drop of water to any other state.
In several respects, Mr, Parkash Singh echoed the same views on some common issues. He feels the existing SYL structure should be disbanded and the farmers saved from the spared of the damage being done by the incomplete canal because it been constructed against the natural country slope. Still in a state of euphoria after the celebration of 75th anniversary of founding of the Akali Dal at a conference at Moga, Mr, Parkash Singh gave a Call to the people to be prepared for the battle of the ballot and to fight against “zelum and zaba (atrocities and tyranny) of the Congress. The real purpose of paying obeisance at the holy Takht here would have been served if people pledged to defeat the Congress and follow the path shown by Guru Gobind Singh. The Akali Dal leader said what we’re being projected as “demands” of Punjab and Punjabis were. In fact. the constitutional and legal” rights of the people and the stale; both had been denied during the long spell of the Congress rule, which had, in fact, created more problems when solving in deference to the wishes of the people.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 13, 1996
