NEW DELHI: Indian defence minister Sharad Pawar who returned from a visit to the U.S.A. early this week told newsmen that he had discussed the Punjab issue among many other problems with representatives of the U.S. administration. He did not specify the nature of his talks nor the U.S. reaction to any new proposals.
Political observers feel that the minister may have apprised Washington of the contents of the so-called package for Punjab which the Rao government is said to be planning to introduce after this week’s Trupati session of the ruling party.
The Sikhs have already rejected the so-called package which in substance amounts to talking away Punjab’s rights to its river water and to favor Harayana Rajasthan and other Hindu states at the cost of Punjab’s economy.
The minister however explained that the U.S administration officials appreciated the fact that the Kashmir problem should be resolved within the framework of the Simla spirit in other words by holding Indo Pak talks and not through any international action.
It is also probable that the decision to release Akali leaders may have something to do with the Indian minister’s talks in Washington
Another significant question arises whether Akali leader Parkash Singh Badals intention to have his eyes treated in the U.S. has anything to do with the defence ministers Punjab talks.
There are also reports that the entire army is being pulled out from Punjab by June from its present active involvement against Sikhs.
WSN contacted the U.S. State Department whose representative would not comment on the details of the Punjab issue.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 24, 1992
