PATIALA, India: Punjab Chief Minister, Barnala, asserted that no problem could be solved through bullets, Barnala who was addressing a public meeting after laying a foundation stone to mark the much publicized “Sarb Pakhi Vikas Pind Scheme” said that Akali dissidents were providing encouragement to freedom fighters and at the same time Pakistan is giving them help in order to create a situation of uncertainty.
His government was waging a relentless battle against violence and people should extend support to it. Contrary to previous statements, Chief Minister did not allege the Prime Minister and the Centre saying that he already had explained certain points at his press conference at Chandigarh. However, he did not spare the Punjab Congress (I), United Akali Dla, B.J.P. and Akali dissidents. Mr. Surjit Singh said that Punjab Congress (I) leaders including P.P.C. Chief, Beant Singh, were demanding the withdrawal of support to his government as they have lost the elections. He said that B.J.P. has also fallen a pray to the game of toppling government. He referred to various concessions given to farmers, agricultural cess was abolished power charges have been cut and charges for lining of canals have been waived. The Chief Minister said that movement of food grains from Punjab to other States would be done through trucks as it was not possible to expedite it through trains. There were about 32,000 trucks in the State and about 200250 trucks would daily leave the State with food grains.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 30, 1987
