CHHAPAR: The Akali Dal (Mann) established its supremacy over the other Akali factions here by attracting the biggest ever crowd at the Chhapar mela.

The three day mela, which is known as the Gugga Marie mela of the Malwa region, recently. One Laks persons attended it on the second day

The Akali Dal (Badal) and the Akali Dal (Panthic) headed by Mr Rajdev Singh also organised their conferences on the occasion.

The conference of the Akali Dal (Mann) drew more than 25,000 persons, Mr Simranjit Singh Mann was given a rousing reception in the pandal. Activists of the AISSF saluted with naked swords and escorted him to the pandal amidst slogans of “Jobole so nihal”.

The conference organised by the District Congress (I) Committee (rural), Ludhiana also drew a large number of persons, although the main attractions were folk singers Ranjit Kaur and Mohammad Sadeeq.

The Akali Dal (Badal) conference had thin attendance.

Mr Rajdev Singh, president, Akali Dal (Panthic), was the main leader at that party’s conference. At the Akali Dal (Badal) conference, Mr Charanjit Singh Atwal, a former MP, and Mr Daya Singh, district president, were among those present.

The Akali Dal (Longowal) and the two Communist Parties did not organised conferences this year. The BKU is busy with the Gherao of Punjab Raj Bhavan. Mr Mann was elated owner the attendance at his party conference and pointed out to newsmen that this was a verdict in favour of the decision of the party to boycott assembly elections unless held under UN supervision.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Mann said the boycott decision was taken as there was no alternative with the Sikhs except seeking the right to self-determination.

He maintained that this demand was not antinational. The Constitution provided for this right and the Indian Government had accepted the UN Charter in this regard.

He charged that the govt was not ready to grant democratic and constitutional rights to the Sikhs.

Mr Mann said it was regrettable that India was “violating” the UN sanctions against Iraq.

Mr Mann alleged that through treachery the govt wanted to involve the judiciary and revive the Punjab Assembly.

He maintained that the Constitution provided for the holding of elections after every five years and one year after the imposition of President’s rule. In Punjab, more than three and a half years had passed and no poll had been held.

He charged that repression had been let loose in Punjab and gave the example of five villages under Katahunangal police station where CRPF men committed “atrocities” on villagers and Sikh youths last week.

Later he told the Tribune: “When the Prime Minister comes to Punjab to see the repression and brutality Sikhs are being subjected to, he will, if he is an honest Rajput, endorse my views on the right to self-determination”.

Asked about Akali unity efforts, Mr Mann confirmed that the Working Committee had dissolved the 3member panel set up by him to hold negotiations with various factions. He alleged that the factions had cheated them and the Sikhs. On the one hand they wanted unity and on the other hand they were holding talks for the revival of the assembly.

Answering another question; Mr Mann said he had sent his letter of resignation from the Lok Sabha to the Working Committee, which had rejected it. “I am prepared to resign anytime. It is for the Working Committee to decide’.

Asked if the decision to boycott the elections could be reviewed, Mr Mann said only the Sikh Sangat could do so.

Mr Mann said he would resume his protest march from Ferozepore district on Sept 7. Jalandhar, Ropar and Patiala districts were yet to be covered. His party would launch a bigger programme after the completion of the march.

Mr Rajdev Singh, addressing his party conference, asked Mr Mann to appear before Akal Takht and explain why he had “misled” the Sikhs.

He charged that Mr Mana, while in Tihar Jail, had pledged to abaide by the Constitution and the unity and integrity of India. Later while filing his nomination papers for the Lok Sabha elections from Tarn Taran, he had taken a similar pledge.

He said Mr Mann was now “exploiting” Sikh sentiments.

Mr Gurcharan Singh Galib, president, district Congress (I) Committee (rural), addressing the conference of his party, urged the govt to find a lasting solution to the Punjab a problem. He condemned the killing of innocent persons.

The Congress (I) assailed the hike in the power tariff and octroi.

Article extracted from this publication >> October 5, 1990