CHANDIGARH: There were a record 469 killings in Punjab last month. The previous highest recorded during a calendar month was in August when a total of 374 killings were reported. In July 372 killings were reported.

There was also a steep increase in the killing of security personnel, freedom fighters and women last month. As against 36 security personnel killed during September, the figures swelled by more than 100% to 80 in October. Among those killed were six army men and a Head Constable of the Railway Protection Force,

As against a record 11 freedom fighters killed in a month in May, the figure for October was 21. As many as 150 militants were killed in October. Besides there were 247 Sikhs killed by the dreaded govt agents called Black cats. These included 33 women, also the highest figure for a month, and a child. Besides 72 non Sikh, including three women, were also killed,

There were a record 19 bank robberies in the state last month compared to 16 in September. The total amount robbed in September (Rs 59, 04,635) was much more than in October (Rs 30,05,186).

Political killings

Similarly, political killings also witnessed an increase. As against eight political killings in September, 11 political personalities lost their lives last month. Three others were injured. Prominent among those killed were Shish Pal Singh, a former international athlete and a minister in the last Akali Dal (Longowal) Ministry; and Charanjit Singh, a prominent leader of Bharatiya Kisan Union.

The number of bomb and landmine explosions also witnessed a significant increase. As against 13 cases reported in September in which eight persons were killed and 43 others injured, 18 cases were recorded in October in which nine persons were killed and 45 others were injured.

Compared to 12 major shootouts in September claiming 41 lives, 23 major shootouts were reported in October, which took 89 lives besides leaving 33 others injured. In September there were 34 attacks on security personnel (30 killed and 47 injured) but last month 59 attacks occurred which took a toll of 50 lives while 68 others were injured.

A new phenomenon attacks on running trains started this month. Three cases were reported in which two security personnel were killed, two others were injured and six civilian passengers received injuries. Two other civilians, including a woman, also lost their lives in these attacks.

As regards kidnaping 46 persons were kidnaped in 27 separate cases during September, 62 were kidnaped in 36 cases last month, Of these, five were rescued, 10 were released, 17 lost their lives and the remaining were still held captives.

The police claimed to have killed listed hardcore nationalists Sukhwant Singh Sangha(BTKF chief) Gurdip Singh, alias Loha (Jassa group), Jaswinder Singh, alias Doctor (KCF), Harjinder Singh, alias Musibay , Jaspal Singh, alias Fauji, alias ToniJagga Singh , Daljit Singh, alias Jiti, Jasbir Singh alias Bullet, Sangat Singh, alias Laddi (all of the KCF), Dalbir Singh Neetu (Babbar), Bakshish Singh, alias Chirri (KLF), Balwinder Singh, alias Ladi (KLF), Lakhbir Singh, alias Lakha (KCF), Sugjit Singh (BTFK), Nirmal Singh, alias Nimma (Babbar), Jaspal Singh. alias Dhanna (KCF), Jaswinder Singh, alias Shida (KCF), Ishwar Singh (KLF) and Bulkar Singh, alias Bittu.

Until month end 28, 27 rifles, 25 guns, five stenguns and carbines, 18 revolvers, three pistol and Rs 57,73,344 (including those in bank robberies) had been snatched in the state.

 

Article extracted from this publication >> November 23, 1990