CHANDIGARH: The BJP has expressed itself against holding elections to the Punjab Assembly till peace was restored in the troubled state,
A five member deputation of the party led by Mr LK. Advani and comprising Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mr Kidar Nath Sahney Dr Baldey Parkash and Mr Madan Mohan Mittal, which met the Prime Minister in New Delhi.
also emphasised’ that instead of going in for six month extensions of President’s rule in Punjab, the centre should extend it by at least one year to give the administration and the security forces ample time to deal with the situation.
Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Mittal noted that both the Akali factions were now demanding elections to the state assembly. It would be better to first organise elections to the SGPC to see if these could be held in a free and fair manner. The deputation argued that the situation in Punjab now was not conducive to holding elections. Killings and extortions were continuing unabated. Terrorists moved about freely; in groups and the writ of the government did not run. The government “could not” ensure free and fair elections. ‘The state was in the grip of fear as demonstrated by the response to bandh calls given by militant groups. Holding of elections was neither a solution to the Punjab problem nor were a guarantee for peace and security.
The deputation also wanted the government to warn Pakistan against interference in Punjab. The border should be sealed effectively to check the inflow of arms and ammunition.
Mr Mittal also announced that the party would organise a “Shaheedi conference” at Patiala on Sept 23, to mark the second death anniversary of the state BJP chief, Mr Hit Abhilashi, who was shot dead by militants.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 5, 1990
